Usain Bolt scored two goals for Central Coast Mariners in an exhibition match on Oct. 12.GETTY IMAGES
A-League side Central Coast Mariners offered Usain Bolt a full-time playing contract "after he impressed during a trial," his agent, Ricky Simms, said, according to Tom Hamilton of ESPN.com. Bolt, 32, "netted a double in a practice game" on Oct. 12 but did not play in the Mariners' 1-1 draw with the Brisbane Roar on Sunday, with News Corp Australia reporting the eight-time Olympic Gold Medalist was "in Melbourne considering his options." However, "he has now officially been offered terms by the Mariners," with Simms saying, "I can confirm Usain has been offered a contract by Central Coast Mariners." Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp reportedly "tabled the contract offer with Bolt's management over the weekend" (ESPN.com, 10/21). In Sydney, Vince Rugari reported Central Coast Mariners Manager Mike Mulvey "knows nothing about" Bolt's contract. Sources suggested the deal is worth A$150,000 ($106,600) -- "a long way short" of the A$3M ($2.1M) that had previously been discussed with Bolt's management. And while it would allow him to "conceivably begin playing A-League football immediately," Mulvey's reaction would suggest not everyone at the club is "on the same page." Simms said, "In response to the media stories, yes, Usain has been offered a contract. I do not want to make any further comment at this stage." The Mariners declined to comment, while Tony Rallis -- the Australian intermediary who helped orchestrate Bolt's indefinite trial -- "also went to ground," saying that he "was not permitted to speak about the matter." It is understood Football Federation Australia has not provided any financial contribution and was "unaware of the club's pitch to Bolt." Mulvey was pressed on Bolt's status and said that "it was all news to him." Mulvey: "That's for a few pay grades above my level. I do appreciate how important this story is for the rest of the world. But you have a look at our frontline today and you wonder if he could get into any of those positions, wouldn't you?" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 10/21). In Sydney, Stensholt & Gatt wrote Bolt reportedly rejected an offer from Maltese club Valletta "to try to prove his worth to the Mariners," and it has been suggested Bolt was also "the subject of other multi-year offers from European clubs." Bolt was the subject of "heavy criticism from several football identities who have questioned his acumen and whether his potential move was a publicity stunt" to help "inject some excitement" into an A-League that has suffered a decline in ratings and attendances in recent years. Western Sydney Wanderers Manager Markus Babbel said that he "had big doubts over Bolt's football abilities." Babbel: "As a PR action, it is sensational. The A-League receives much attention from him. But, honestly, I cannot take that seriously" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 10/21).
