The Roar spoke with Mark Gerrard about the integrity of sport and issues that so sensationally blew up in the media over the past two weeks.
Gerrard expressed his disappointment at the way in which all Australian athletes have been thrown in, to quote his words, the “deep end”.
“It’s unfair the way in which this happened. I can tell you that 99% of professional athletes do the right thing, and it’s been a very surprising approach by the ACC and the Federal Government.”
“To come out like this puts us all in the deep end, and although there’s talk of hard evidence, until we see it, it’s very harmful to the majority of athletes.
“There’s no question that this will promote a harder approach. And even though the sport may not be cleaner, it will be a healthier competition at the end of the day. But it will take some time for the tarnish that is now on professional sport to be worn off.”
When asked about his own experiences around performance-enhancing drugs, his response was interesting.
Coming from a player who has regularly faced time on the sidelines through injury, The Roar asked Mark if he’d ever been tempted to aid his recovery.
“While I’ve personally never been heard of anyone in rugby involved, there have been whispers around other sports. But I haven’t seen anything.
“Personally, I have been somewhat tempted while injured. Not to enhance performance, simply to aid recovery and get back on the field.
“However, I’ve never seriously considered it. While I’ve been concerned over the possible wrath that may be incurred, being injured is often a blessing in disguise. It allows you to get out of the bubble and heal yourself properly.
“I’ve only ever gotten myself right with a natural style, at my own body’s own growth rate.”
stillmatic1
Guest
you clearly implied that the government wouldnt trash the reputations of the most popular sports in oz, which i say clearly cannot be discounted due to their other monumental failures of trashing other industries/people. if they have a track record of ineptitude, why would this be any different?
BennO
Guest
No this current govt is perfect stillmatic1. Absolutely perfect. Never do anything wrong. Clearly that's exactly what I said isn't it?
Stin
Guest
Obeid I mean....
Stin
Guest
Not to Mention the Abeid stuff....
Stin
Guest
Totally agree. 99% of the GP know its the 1% of sports people. (Roughly anyway). I certainly do not now look at all sports people in any new light....
Neuen
Roar Rookie
Player use them to get to the top. Why do they want to get to the top? Because they want to win and modern society have no place for losers. Where do we learn winning is everything? At schools where competition and winning is everything to make a name for the school. That is the problem.
Rod
Guest
The only issue I have with Marks article is that he never came across this or heard about anyone in rugby, but have heard there are problems with this in other sports. I find that incredibly hard to believe.
stillmatic1
Guest
so this current government hasnt botched any announcements thus far, about any topic, bennO? or has not jumped the gun and forgotten to think through the policies that they put in place? this isnt about conspiracy at all, its about the continual ineptitude of the government we have at this time.
stillmatic1
Guest
and who is the government of the day, slav!? lets not go so far as to say conspiracy, but this is a move brought forward by the current government and illustrates their continual ineptitude.
BennO
Guest
Think you might have misinterpreted me MJ. Reading your post from above I agree with what you said. Like you I'm tired of the whinging by the players and clubs etc. But I'm also tired of people blaming the govt and carrying on as tho it's some big govt conspiracy to divert attention and win votes.
Mango Jack
Guest
Ah, so it's not the drug cheats fault, eh Benno?? Come off it mate!
Lroy
Guest
Eddie Obeid was in the witness box about the time this story broke, it was announced by Labor Federal ministers, with the 5 heads of the major sports codes in the background..........give me a break .. you seriously think it had anything to do with sport? It was all about getting corrupt labor politicians of the front page.
winston
Roar Rookie
It is not the Government who have tarnished Aus sport it is the drug cheats and suppliers.
The Battered Slav
Guest
Ted, read my comment above, and start thinking clearly. There is no conspiracy. Do you listen to Alan Jones by any chance? Seriously though, the ACC is an apolitical commission and is not there tonserve the ALP or the Libs, its there to serve the government of the day.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Talking about 'on the nose' -Abbott is 'on the nose' 24/7 and beeee blessed :-)
BennO
Guest
Yeah of course it was the govt trying to divert attention. It makes perfect sense for a government that is on the nose to trash the most popular sporting codes in a country that puts sport at the top of the social tree. You conspiracy theorists don't think too deeply do you? Sorry for the snark but this is getting ridiculous.
Ted
Guest
Do not worry Mark, this was the ALP's attempt to divert attention from this rubbish Government.....basically tarnish Australian sport.....no problem though, no-one in Labor likes sport and definitely no-one in Labor plays sport by the look of it.
Hornet
Roar Rookie
I agree with Mark's thoughts. Check out what I wrote adressing the crime in gambling. http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/02/19/the-crime-in-gambling/. I believe the government is more accountable than any criminal.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Nothing is irreversible and I think ppl just see Australia as another nation having doping issues, one more in the long list of countries which have been involved in any sports in the last couple of decades. No one was dupe; they knew Aussies were no any better than others. I think ppl who are a bit aware of what has been happening around the world would know not all Aussie sportsmen are drug cheats now, like they didn't believe none of them were before when Australia was one of the few countries not to address the issue.
Harry
Guest
I have spoken to many people in Hong Kong, the UK and South Africa and the first thing they say is "Gosh isn't it terrible all your athletes/footballers are drug cheats. You've clearly got a huge problem." I'm NOT saying the whole world says that, but anyone who takes a passing interest in Australian sport certainly has that impression, well founded whn they see Government ministers and heads of sport going on about it. Bottom line - anyone who doesn't think that press conference did enourmous, irretreviable damage to Australia's sporting reputation outside of Australia is kidding themselves.