Belfast Giants player Sean McMorrow faces US drugs indictment

A Belfast Giants ice hockey player is facing drugs charges after being indicted by a New York grand jury. Sean McMorrow, 28, is accused of bringing 100kgs of "a substance containing marijuana" into the US from Canada with intent to distribute.

The offences allegedly took place between 2003 and 2005. It is understood the player is still in Belfast.

On his Facebook page, Mr McMorrow says the allegations are "nasty, untrue" and he aims to "clear my family name".

"I am shocked and very upset about this," he says. "Thanks to everyone for their support and patience for me to clear my name."

A spokesman for the Giants said: "Belfast Giants treats any allegation against its players with the utmost seriousness.

"We are aware that an indictment has been served on Sean McMorrow by a US grand jury last week.

"However, we are unable to comment further due to the fact that there is a ongoing police investigation relating to alleged offences in 2003 in the USA during which time he did not play for the Belfast Giants."

"We are not aware of any allegations against Sean McMorrow during his time as a player for Belfast Giants in Northern Ireland.

"Sean McMorrow has requested to be released from his playing duties with Belfast Giants in order to travel back to North America and deal with these allegations in a personal capacity. He will be flying home to Canada shortly.

Mr McMorrow, who was born in Vancouver, was signed by the Giants in May 2009. He is a former draft pick of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8555945.stm