In previewing the Sydney Games, Jay Weiner of the
Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE writes, "Despite drug scandals, the
pomposity of the [IOC] and the uncomfortable introduction of
millionaire professionals, the Olympics still matter"
(Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/14). But a USA TODAY editorial
warns, "The IOC needs to set an unparalleled standard of
ethical rigor. Its pace toward that goal is less than
world-record." The IOC declined to write an opposing view
to the newspapers's editorial (USA TODAY, 9/14). A ST.
PETERSBURG TIMES editorial states: "Distractions such as
corruption at the top, the blurring of amateur and
professional status and the logistical nightmare of
televising games from half a world away put pressure on the
athletes to reclaim public attention with their
performances. It will be a challenge" (ST. PETE TIMES,
9/14). In Chicago, Jay Mariotti writes that behind the
"gloss" of the Olympic Games "is a growing core of scandal
and despair, serious worries that the Games as we've known
them for half a generation are dying." Mariotti: "The Games
have grown so large that they've careened hopelessly out of
control" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 9/14).
