In 1919 eight Chicago White Sox players led by slugger Joe Jackson were found to have intentionally lost games during the World Series.
The catch-cry of young baseball fans at the was “Say it aint so, Joe, say it aint so”.
Since then probably scores of people playing or closely connected to sport have reached a very high standing with their fans only to make some irreversible decision that sees them cast into controversy.
Sometimes the public reaction is fiercely condemning and beyond redemption.
Other times, often due to the fallen hero’s attempts at contrition or by sheer dent of personality or gob-smacking sporting ability, the public’s contempt eases and a cautious respect prevails.
Who of the following have been forgiven and largely re-embraced by former fans? Who are still waiting? Who never will?
Most importantly: What fate awaits James Hird? Will he too hear the refrain “Say it aint so, Jim, say it aint so.” Perhaps he’s hearing it already.
So, for a bit of fun, take your pick. Who is back in black? Still shrouded in grey? Or forever in the red?
Mike Tyson (chewed off part of Evander Hollyfield’s ear)
Lance Armstrong (use of performance enhancing drugs)
Maradona (illicit drug use; abandoning ‘illegitimate’ child)
Ben Cousins (illicit drug use)
Robbie Waterhouse (bookmaker with prior knowledge of Fine Cotton racing scandal)
Ron Barrassi (severely “demonized” – pun intended – for selling out, after abandoning MFC to finally and deservedly get a professional salary at CFC)
Hansie Cronje (perhaps the most notable of players found guilty of cricket match fixing)
Tiger Woods (serial infidelity)
Wayne Carey (seduced team mate’s wife)
Gary Ablett Jnr (won a Brownlow then abandoned the very club his father and brother played for and moved to the Suns FC)
Gary Ablett Snr (illicit drug use; found in the presence of a young girl dead from an overdose)
Greg Norman (seen by many as just a tad too self-possessed, was it poetic justice when he choked at several major golf finals?)
Got some other names to suggest? Please do!
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