Giants player faces drugs charges
Belfast Giants Ice Hockey player Sean McMorrow is facing extradition to the United States after drug trafficking charges were filed against him in New York.
Sunday, 07 March 2010
The Giants' star is accused of involvement in a £1m drugs plot.
The 28-year-old was named in court papers filed in New York State in connection with a plot to smuggle cannabis from Canada to the US.
According to the Western District of New York grand jury indictment, the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2003 and 2005, during McMorrow's time with the Rochester Americans.
McMorrow joined the Belfast Giants last September.
Posting on his Facebook page, the Canadian ice hockey player said:
"Sean McMorrow is accused of nasty, untrue allegations -- number one priority is to clear my family name -- I am shocked and very upset about this... Thanks to everyone for their support and patience for me to clear my name of this."
His lawyer told the News of the World that the Giants' player denied the charges.
He said: "He faces a two-count indictment alleging the possession with the intention to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
"We don't have a court date yet."
McMorrow is known as the Elite league's tough guy, but despite his reputation on the ice, he has worked with charities on both sides of the Atlantic.
He is expected to return to the United States to answer the charges in the coming weeks.
General Manager of the Belfast Giants Todd Kelman said:
"I haven't spoken to Sean yet. I can only comment on the guy I know. He is an outstanding individual, a great person, brilliant with kids.
"I would honestly say that in the history of the Giants, he has done more community work than any player we have ever had.
"As far as the management team of the Belfast Giants is concerned, he is innocent until proven guilty and we are backing him one hundred per cent."
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