The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have terminated forward Romeo Parkes’ contract, the team announced Sunday afternoon.
The termination comes after last night’s game at Highmark Stadium when Parkes, after receiving a red card, kicked New York Red Bulls II player Karl Ouimette (who also earned a red card) in the back. Parkes had been the team’s leading scorer with five goals in five appearance.
Parkes took to Twitter after the match and apologized for his actions.
To the fans, my teams, the city of PGH, NY Red Bulls 2 and the USL, I recognized that my action was wrong and inappropriate.
— Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016
and I sincerely apologize and regret my actions. Despite the continous altercation throughout the game my further action after I was carded
— Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016
Was unwarrented and i ask for my fans, the league and my teammates as well as the New York Red Bulls to accept my sincere apology.
— Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016
However, Parkes’ apology wasn’t enough, and team owner Tuffy Shallenberger elected to terminate the Jamaican national’s contract.
“I want to apologize to the fans and the Red Bulls II organization, as well as Karl Ouimette, for what transpired at the game last night,” Shallenberger said. “(Parkes’) actions are not representative of what our organization and its Academy stands for in regards to helping promote and grow this sport, in not only the Greater Allegheny area, but also nationwide. We understand the severity of this situation and made it a point to respond as quickly as possible within our power.”
Head coach Mark Steffens responded to the statement saying he thought Parkes’ termination was fair and justified.
“As I stated last night, this is an unfortunate situation and one that was embarrassing for not only myself, but also the staff and the organization,” Steffens said. “The discipline being handed out is one that we, as a staff, consider to be fair and completely justified. The actions were not representative of what this team stands for as a whole.”
The Riverhounds currently have four forwards listed on their roster: Corey Hertzog, Zak Boggs, Ryan Dodson and Drew Russell. Russell has primarily played in a defensive role this season, while Hertzog is the only forward other than Parkes to score. Dodson hasn’t even appeared in a match. Hertzog has appeared in five, while Boggs has appeared in four, mainly as a substitute. Another option would to bring Marshall Hollingsworth, a midfielder, into an attacking role.
The Riverhounds will travel to face FC Cincinnati on Saturday, May 14. The match will begin at 4 p.m. EST and can be viewed on the USL’s official YouTube live stream.
Image credit: El Gráfico
