Say it ain't so...

It’s extraordinary. The moral fabric of sport is being severely tested. It’s being eroded in some cases and in others ripped to shreds. In cricket’s case, over the last two weeks you could say it has seen its Butt.

No matter where you look these days across the sporting spectrum it seems that some high profile Tom, Dick or Asif has got his fingers burnt or has overstepped the mark.

The often over-promoted shiny exterior of sport is no longer able to hide the deceit and dishonesty that sadly seems to lurk beneath the surface in reach of dastardly characters who are obviously morally void and don’t give a damn about their fans.

The betrayed fans are the big losers. They are the ones who put these undesirables on a pedestal only to be swiftly kicked in the guts by ego maniacs who consider themselves untouchables. Noted American Football League coach Frank Leahy once said, “Egotism is the anaesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity.” He wasn’t wrong and plenty a fallen idol is living proof.

I was watching the US Open last night and the upcoming Roger Federer match was introduced by a stirring montage voiced by a baritone American actor for dramatic effect. It flashed his moments of silky brilliance, his emotional celebrations, his forehand continually leaving opponents in its wake and of course played on his mental toughness and his penchant for silverware. But one line caught my attention.

The voice-over said that Roger Federer is all about class, integrity and credibility. Negative thoughts suddenly invaded my head space. Had I not heard and thought exactly the same about Tiger Woods some ten months ago?

The voice continued. It said one will never hear the words “say it ain’t so” associated with this tennis genius, a direct reference to the scandal that rocked the baseball world in the mid 80s as Major League Baseball superstar Pete Rose bet on games whilst both manager and player for the Cincinnati Reds. He only fessed up in 2004. A painful solar plexus invasion if ever there was one.

It was wrong that I had my doubts. But I am afraid that appears to be the way of the world in the sporting arena these days. Nothing is certain anymore. Not everyone succumbs to greed and transforms themselves from an adored achiever to scumbag in the blink of a few greenbacks. We still must celebrate those who play for all the right reasons, but the worrying thing is that some even consider selling their souls.

To possess extraordinary skill is to be given a gift. Sport is supposed to be sacrosanct and a celebration of unbridled joy and talent. It’s meant to be pure and untainted. Most importantly it is an expression of honesty and integrity.

Tom, Dick, Asif, Amir, Akmal and Butt ….. Say it ain’t so!

Eldrick couldn’t.