* The IOC decision to not totally kick Russia out of the Rio Olympics has disappointed and surprised a lot of observers. What shouldn’t surprise anyone, however, is that Russia has been exposed for a top-to-bottom doping program involving the Russian government.
Call it an extension of President Vladimir Putin’s “Make Russia Great Again” agenda. In-your-face, anti-West, anti-NATO nationalism motivate Putin. Corruption and authoritarianism have been the thematic pillars of his three-term presidency. Putin spared no cost in securing the Sochi Winter Olympics of 2014. After obscene budget overruns, environmental indifference and bribery on steroids, Sochi is now referred to as “Putingrad” by many Russians.
* Speaking of the Olympics, we’ve been seeing references of late to the “Black Power”-salute of some American athletes at the 1968 Mexico City Games. We’ve all seen the iconic photo that shows 200-meter gold medalist Tommie Smith and bronze medalist John Carlos with upraised, gloved fists on the medal stand. A notable postscript, nearly a half-century later, remains: Are Smith and Carlos, who used that forum to protest racial inequities in America, due an apology for having been expelled by the U.S. Olympic Committee?
I say any apology should also include Peter Norman, the Australian silver medal winner who beat John Carlos. His moment of glory–for himself and country–was forever marred by the cascade of boos aimed at Smith and Carlos that largely drowned out both national anthems.
* Admittedly, I’m no fan of David “Big Papi” Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox. He has Hall of Fame numbers, but they’re offset by off-putting, showboat antics. Non Bosox fans get it.
But, you know, let’s do give it up for Big Papi for retiring at the top of his game. He announced it at the beginning of the season.
Few uber prominent athletes–think Muhammad Ali, Willie Mays or Hank Aaron–can leave center stage and a few more big pay days with their reputations unsullied. It takes a major measure of class to walk away while you still have game. David Ortiz is going to do that.
Unless, of course, he changes his mind after a career-year “finale.” I wouldn’t put it past him.