A scandal has been brewing the past twenty-four hours overseas at the Olympics in London.
For example, it’s been alleged that a coach for the Japanese Women’s soccer team instructed players not to score in a final group game against South Africa, with the deceitful aim of guranteeing the team an upper hand in the next round of competition.
Many cried foul on that one, even though the International Federation for soccer nixed a call for disciplinary action after reviewing the controversial issue.
Badminton players competing at the historic games weren’t so lucky, however.
That ruckus - not only blew the lid off the sport – but also raised serious questions about whether ethical and moral standards were being observed by team players.
In that scenario, players appeared to be deliberately “throwing” the game (by dumping serves and willfully fumbling simple shots like amateurs) so they’d gain a sort-of handicap advantage which might result in pay dirt later on in the competitions.
Officials expressed their concerns (rightly so) that the sly athletes were engaging in conduct that abused the rules and was detrimental to the sport.
Shameful (in a nutshell).
Consequently, the Badminton players involved in the incident were given the “boot”.
And, one of the "stars" on the Japanese team quit in the aftermath.
For good reason.
History buffs may recall that the Olympic Games were originally launched to create good will (and peace) among all Nations.
Athletes in the arena play a vital role in accomplishing that end.
By competing fair and square, the Olympic hopefuls also set an example to our vulnerable youth about the value and importance of sportsmanship - especially in the troubled corrupt world of today - where anything goes.
Nip the “cancer” in the bud, I say!
Kudos to the Officials who bravely went where few men would dare to go to preserve the integrity of the games.
The Olympics are better for it, today.
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