Tym Glaser

What we've got here is ... failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach. So you get what we had here last week, which is the way he wants it... well, he gets it. - Captain of the road crew (Strother Martin).

-Cool Hand Luke.

Stupid is as stupid does. - Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks).

- Forrest Gump.

I'M PRETTY sure if I could take back all the stupid, dumb things I've said, done and written in my life, I'd be all of about 12 years of age.

Still, as you get older, and apparently wiser, you try to learn from your mistakes so you don't repeat them.

Maybe you even try to impart some of that experience to others (youngers) so they don't make the same boneheaded moves you did.

But, tell me now, what the heck are you supposed to say to a guy like Xavier Marshall?

All the cricket talent in the world and a cool US$1 million near his grasp and he let it all go up in a puff of smoke, figuratively and probably literally.

dropped

Marshall was 'quietly' dropped for the Stanford Superstars squad earlier this week with no explanation given.

However, Cricinfo has stated he tested positive for a drug during a training camp in Antigua and will now not only not play for Big Al's winner-take-all US$20 million jackpot on November 1 against an England team, but is also likely to lose his central contract with the West Indies Cricket Board.

"The WICB has a zero-tolerance policy on drugs and the matter could come up to the disciplinary committee," board CEO Donald Peters told Cricinfo.

So, just like that, the promising 22-year-old, who bludgeoned a world-record 12 sixes in an unbeaten 157 against Canada last month, could be sent to cricketing Siberia - again.

Remember, just as quickly as he first burst on to the international scene in 2005, he was made to disappear because of misbehaviour. He dropped off both the West Indies and Jamaica cricket maps. A strict warning to change his ways.

Still, his natural talent and friends in high places, including West Indies and Jamaica skipper Chris Gayle, saw him re-emerge last season in Jamaican colours and his subsequent workouts with the West Indies team captured the eye of coach John Dyson and saw him surprisingly drafted into that set-up.

heroics

Marshall made a fine 85 against Australia in the third Test in Barbados and looked to have sealed a place in a strong batting line-up.

After his heroics in Canada, Marshall told The Star that he had learned from his mistakes of the past and was looking forward to fulfilling his promise and potential.

How thin those words look now, how cigarette-paper thin.

Although Marshall has let down a lot of people, he's really only hurt himself, the chance to make a million US bucks for three hours work and you blow it - sheeesh!

However, he's got time on his side and he should sit down now and reflect on what he actually wants to do - be a star or just another flare that shone briefly before us.

He needs sage advice from true friends, not sycophants. Gayle, a Marshall backer, should stick by him and try to steer him through this latest self-made mess.

Hopefully, Xavier will bounce back bigger, better and wiser than ever but, then again, there are some men you just can't reach.

Later...

Feedback: tym.glaser@gleanerjm.com