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!
Greg Clough
Roar Rookie
Thanks Josh. You might be interested in what “Christo the Daddyo” says elsewhere on The Roar about Lord Jim: “A decent human being would have acknowledged the failures of governance and ethical duty of care, apologised and handed in his resignation. He could have done some penance for a couple of years and then come back as an assistant coach and all would have been forgiven. But pride has got in the way and Hird, the players, the club and the AFL are all now paying the price." http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/10/07/james-hird-must-go-everyone-knows/
Greg Clough
Roar Rookie
Great comparison. It shows how inconsistent the public are. Wareny was found guilty of improper drug use, smoking tobacco while sponsored by the Quit campaign, befriending bookmakers, and so on. But he came across as just your average Aussie bloke, a likeable larrikin. A bit of a bumbler, but nothing sneaky or sleazy about him. And he could still do amazing things with a cricket ball. Armstrong, as you say, was far too sophisticated. The public sensed he was too clever by half and he paid the price. Ultimately, Warne and Armstrong did much the the same crime but received different sentences from their fans.
Josh
Expert
I read an article once where Carey said something along the lines of "I succeeded as a footballer, and failed as a man." That fact that he realises that - I can begrudge him a little forgiveness on that. He can't ever really make up for the things he's done but at least he recognises it and regrets it.
@Scrumpoacher
Guest
Chelsea player and ex England captain John Terry-womaniser(slept with team mates wife) and racist. Kevin Pietersen-texting SA players about his own captain amongst other things.
Brian
Guest
The key is lack of sophistication in the cheating or at least the appearance of it. That's why Armstrong the most hated on the list he made those who believed him believe and ultimately look foolish. On the other side of the scale is Shane Warne. A womaniser, banned for taking a drug, exposed to have taken bribes from John the bookie and yet all is well. Its because unlike Armstrong no one ever thought he was smart enough to get away with all of the above.
matt
Guest
Tyson may be tarnished in other ways than noted
slane
Guest
The fact that Wayne Carey is on TV again says a lot. His infidelity is the least of his 'crimes'. What a disgrace of a man.
Johnno
Guest
Mark Phillipousous and Hewitt.