Austin, taken off streets, in training with Jamaica Masters

[Mosiah]

Austin in training with Jamaica Masters

Published: Thursday | September 10, 2009


Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Perry
Former West Indies and Jamaica all-rounder, Richard 'Danny Germs' Austin, has been temporarily taken off the streets and is training with Jamaica Masters Panthers, one of two invitational teams that will be participating in the inaugural Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Red Stripe Twenty20 Championship. Austin, who represented the West Indies in 1977 and 1978, but since 1983 has been battling with mental health and substance abuse problems, is among several past national players who are down to represent the Masters team.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/glean...s/sports2.html

[Islandman]

Did he actually represent Jamaica in football? I know he was a good Major League player for Arnett but never heard that he played for the national team.

He was certainly one of the few who was capable of representing Jamaica in both football and cricket though. The only other person in my lifetime that I can think of who was capable of doing that was Dago Gordon.

Good to hear he is off the steets, but the big question is will he be able to STAY off the streets.

[Gamma]

for him it has been a long time and so every time he is not on the streets it is a small victory.

i have seen and read where a drug addiction is a very POWERFUL psychological force that goes way beyond him wanting to stay off the streets.

[Exile]

It's rough...I've seen him in New Kgn a lot...saw him play major league in Sabina!!! Would you believe it?? Also a lot of cricket for Ja, WI and for Packer.....wish all the best!

[Karl]

Did he actually represent Jamaica in football? I know he was a good Major League player for Arnett but never heard that he played for the national team.

He was certainly one of the few who was capable of representing Jamaica in both football and cricket though. The only other person in my lifetime that I can think of who was capable of doing that was Dago Gordon.

Good to hear he is off the steets, but the big question is will he be able to STAY off the streets.

I think the late Neville McKoy did represent us at cricket and football.
Anyone with the actual fact here?
Thanks!