While the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) this morning is expecting to start receiving from team members the men's 4x100m relay gold medals won at the 2008 Olympic Games, Nesta Carter's legal team is yet to determine whether there is a strong enough basis for an appeal on his disqualification from the Games.

Carter, who only competed in the 4x100m relays at Beijing 2008, was disqualified from the Games after his sample confirmed the presence of the prohibited substance methylhexaneamine, following retroactive testing. His involvement in the sprint relays also affected his teammates, who were earlier given letters from the JOA advising them of the situation and instructing them to return their medals as demanded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The athletes are expected to meet this morning to hand over the medallions and discuss the way forward, with some indication that the teammates are not averse to contributing to the cost in the event a strong appeal can in fact be launched.

Carter and his attorneys still have 20 days to submit an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a process that can cost up to $13 million.

STILL WAITING

JOA president Mike Fennell advised that he had been informed by MVP Track Club president Bruce James that they were still in touch with Carter's lawyers but that they were still awaiting a determination on the strength of a possible appeal.

The results of the assessment are expected to arrive today.

Carter was represented during his IOC hearing by Kate Gallafent, QC, and Kendrah Potts, with Paul Scott listed as the athlete's expert.

"We are still waiting on a response from Mr Carter's managers and attorneys as to the course of action," Fennell said late yesterday evening.

Fennell also noted that the JOA would consider its position as far as support was concerned once it was fully updated on the legal details around the case.

The Jamaican Government, through the Sports Development Foundation, supported Carter's initial defense to the tune of $3.3 million, which was paid towards the sprinter's legal fees, ahead of his IOC hearing last October.

andre.lowe@gleanerjm.com