| One More Problem in Sports* |
Synopsis |
| By an overwhelming margin, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Salt Lake City, Utah, as the site for the 2002 Winter Olympics. But based on leaks from a disgruntled employee of the local organizing committee and questions from a member of the IOC, the Salt Lake City bidders are suspected of bribing IOC members. So far four groups have opened investigations. The IOC members serve without pay and are pledged to refuse gifts in excess of $150; but they are heavily courted and allowed to accept plane tickets, hotel accommodations, and lavish dinners. It now looks like they also took nearly $400,000 in scholarship money and financial aid to 13 students, six of whom were related to IOC members. So far no one is accepting blame; they are only citing past, similar behaviors. While the games will probably still be held in Salt Lake City, local organizers are concerned about the pull-out of sponsors and the possibility that the IRS might begin an investigation. The IOC is investigating and some members may be forced to resign. Reform is needed. Reaction |
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If it isn't one thing in sports, it's another. The idea of sport for the sake of competition has gone forever, only to be replaced by competition for the sake of dollars. The Olympics used to represent an ideal, a best of all possible worlds. Now they are nothing more than another money making scheme, where the rich get richer and the average person foots the bill. Follow-Up |
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I would love to see a grass roots movement begin, a movement to boycott all organized sports. I'd be the first to join. |
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| * Richard Woodbury, Melissa August, Robery Kroon, "The Olympics Turn into A Five-Ring Circus," Time January 11, 1999: 33. |