Instead of traveling to England to compete for the world title in lacrosse, the Iroquois Nationals team remained in limbo in New York City for a second day during a visa dispute, team officials said. When asked around noon if any progress had been made, Executive Director Percy Abrams said, "Put simply, no." Instead, the 23 members of the...
Iroquois Nationals' Brett Bucktooth keeps possession while being defended by England's Nathan Singleton in the opening game of the World Lacrosse Championships held in London, Ontario. The Iroquois defeated England 13-10.Instead of traveling to England to compete for the world title in lacrosse, the Iroquois Nationals team remained in limbo in New York City for a second day during a visa dispute, team officials said.
When asked around noon if any progress had been made, Executive Director Percy Abrams said, "Put simply, no."
Instead, the 23 members of the team held an impromptu press event at Times Square and took a sightseeing tour of the city while waiting for clearance to fly to the 2010 World Lacrosse Championships, Abrams said.
They will practice later tonight at the invitation of Coach Jason Rife at Wagner College on Staten Island.
Abrams said the team could still make the opening game Thursday if they left Tuesday. "We're very hopeful that we'll be able to stand on that field July 15 and play England," he said.
Here's the snag: the U.S. government has not guaranteed entry back into the United States for those players traveling on passports issued by the Iroquois nation, Abrams said.
England demanded a letter from U.S. authorities promising to allow re-entry to the Iroquois players after the tournament. When Homeland Security refused, England declined to give the team members visas.
Abrams said numerous people were working with the U.S. government to rectify the situation. The team traveled to Australia in 2002 without any problems, he said. The 2006 tournament was in Canada, which did not require the same visa process.
"We're keeping our team moving, hoping we can play on that field," he said. "All the political stuff, we have no control about that."