Protests Disrupt Torch-Lighting Ceremony

If the Olympic torch-lighting ceremony in Athens is any indication, it could be a long five months for the IOC and the Olympic movement. Protests marred yesterday’s event, and the headlines coming out of the ceremony are all about censorship and the Chinese government's record on human rights. For an example, see today’s Wall Street Journal. The IOC and sponsors must be concerned about this type of coverage following the torch relay around the globe. Now comes news that the Chinese government is "censoring NBC and other global networks that will broadcast the Games, telling them where they can use their cameras." Like Jacques Rogge, Dick Ebersol said he continues to have a dialogue with China officials, and told the N.Y. Times that NBC Sports would cut to news about unrest in China “only if it interferes with the competition or hinders athletes from getting to the competition.” Oh, and all this comes amid growing noise of boycotts.

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