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The Forum > Article Comments > Doing whatever it takes > Comments

Doing whatever it takes : Comments

By Mirko Bagaric, published 9/10/2007

Marion Jones is no worse than the millions of social networking, opportunity climbers out there.

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Years ago when I played footy the "magic sponge" in a bucket of water would be trotted out and applied to whatever body part had just been bruised, knocked, stomped upon.

These days we take it for granted that professional football players are escorted back up the tunnel where they are given expert medical treatment by their club medics.

What the TV camera do not show you is the injection of various pain killers and other drugs that allows players to 'magically' return to the field - and score tries and kick gaols, even win games. And we love it.

Why all the fuss about Marion using drugs for performance enhancement when we all religiously follow other sports where such drugs are not only used but now an integral part of how we 'watch the game'.

All these sports journalists bagging Marion are nothing more than hypocrites.

Without drugs in sport how many records would be broken every few years at the Olympics?

Indeed would the Olympics still exist if there wasn't for performance enhancement?

There are two kinds of cheating – cheating is sports where it is allowed and those sports where it is not. And a paper thin line divides the two.

Am I condoning drugs in sport? Of course not. But you gotta wonder where professional sport and sports media would be without them.
Posted by Rainier, Tuesday, 9 October 2007 3:16:57 PM
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Networking, it appears has been very successful for Victor Conte, founder and owner of BALCO, the drug laboratory, where his social networking with elite athletes no doubt brought him personal gain.

The elite athletes also derived personal gain and glory from running high on rocket fuel rather than ability.....until they were found out!

My son-in-law, a successful engineer, who comes from a family of high achievers refuses to enrol his children in a private school for the very reasons Mirko has alluded to.

Social networking to enhance his and the children's social status in life is not on as far as he is concerned and their future endeavours for success must be come from their diligence and a desire to achieve, not from association with those who aspire to gaining a high profile by mixing with the "affluent crowd" and the anticipated, subsequent leg-ups.

I fully comprehend the thread of Mirko's article. He clarifies very well, the practice of networking in the ethics-free zones. I have been an observer for many years - even a participant in this shallow though increasingly large section of society, seemingly condoned by most posters on this thread - naive, or do they simply lead a sheltered existence?

Why not open the following URL to find how "socialites" Burke and Grill's ethics-free networking in Western Australia has affected some public officials? These officials, once so chuffed in being members of the "purple circle" have now been charged with misconduct under the Corruption and Crimes Act.

Hot off the press today, chaps!

http://www.ccc.wa.gov.au/publications.php

Link: Smiths Beach
Posted by dickie, Tuesday, 9 October 2007 5:20:13 PM
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Apply a little logic and it becomes obvious that athletes cannot go on breaking records forever - the old "4 minute mile" will never be run in 4 seconds.
Sport is riddled with drug taking. If we could take the politics out of the Olympics and stop treating the athletes like gods and heroes then things might settle down a little - fat hope of that. An Olympic gold medal means more to athletes than human rights abuses or Ms Jones drugtaking...our athletes will take performance enhancing drugs too if they think they can get away with it.
Posted by Communicat, Tuesday, 9 October 2007 5:42:57 PM
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LLB? You ain't defending me mate. This is one of the silliest articles I've read. Logic right out the window.
Posted by Cheryl, Tuesday, 9 October 2007 6:04:38 PM
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Got to be careful we don't accuse or condemn anyone for anything because we are all guilty of something or other.

That is the ultimate logic of Mirko's thought, and what kind
of world it would be if we refrained from all judgement?

I agree with the old biblical saying "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" But to adhere to to this injunction would mean no sanctions against anything. I think the biblical meaning was rather don't cast judgement whilst pretending that you yourself are perfect.

We have to pass judgements but perhaps with humility and awareness that there but for good fortune go I.

The analogy between Olympic Medal Cheating and social networking strikes me as ludicrous. I can think of few astute business people who would confer an advantage on a dolt if it meant passing over someone else with more merit and profitable upside. People have to network in order to be available when the opportunity comes.
Posted by Fencepost, Tuesday, 9 October 2007 6:23:15 PM
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How many in that final of the 100m sprint in Sydney were using exactly the same steroid as Marion Jones and did not get caught?

I would say 90% of them would be taking something illegal and those who perform at this level,must take the chance or not bother competing.The Tour De France is a farce and thus the competitors will be always one step ahead of the drug testors.

Someone will eventually invent a steroid than builds muscle and endurance,that will be untracible within days of abstinence and thus undetectable.

Marion Jones was just unlucky to be caught.So don't take sport too seriously.
Posted by Arjay, Tuesday, 9 October 2007 9:20:07 PM
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