Russell Pangborn
Bruce Arthur states any sport could be bought if the Saudis decide to pony up enough dollars. Money excusing morally reprehensible actions like the chopping up of a Washington Post journalist goes way beyond sport.
What about the money spent to support misleading official-sounding information on climate change? What about the money spent to buoy political parties that do everything they can to thwart any meaningful policies to save us from out-of-control forest fires, flooding, and rising temperatures?
It all comes down to no one spending money on the issues dear to a healthy democracy or a healthy planet. As I decide to limit my outdoor activities because of the forest fire particulates circulating in my neighbourhood, I wonder: Would I still be a rabid fan if the Saudis bought the Blue Jays?
Really good question! Would the Maple Leafs with the cup if the Saudi’s bought them?
Not long ago PGA players and executives were taking the high road with speeches about ethics and morality when dealing with the Saudis. Now, not so much and we all know why …. $$$, of course.
The following has always been the way I’ve regarded professional sports… “I love finesse. I love watching somebody do something very well. I could watch Gretzky skate around all day, for example. But as far as caring which team wins, may the team that spends the most money, win.”
Money taints everything; sports especially.
However, I’m expecting sports in general will end up for the most part, providing the answer to the gender issue facing the world at the moment. Serena Williams, the top women’s tennis player, said it best when she noted that if she were playing men’s tennis, she would be ranked around number 20.
Despite the inherent decency in a Left Wing position, Woke needs to let sports school them a bit on this issue.