Search ‘Ireland’ and ‘Olympics’ today and the results are either the reaction to Michael Conlan’s controversial boxing exit or else the arrest of Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland.
We’ve certainly had an impact on Rio 2016.
International Olympics Committee director of communications Mark Adams faced the media this afternoon in an extraordinary briefing that revolved around an injustice done to Conlan (beaten by Vladimir Nikitin on Tuesday) and the arrest of Hickey (arrested by Brazilian police this morning).
Hickey, who has now been charged with three crimes relating to ticket touting and faces a possible seven-year jail sentence, was the main topic of conversation. Adams commented:
“Let’s wait and see what comes from this actual investigation”
Adams avoided a question about the IOC being embarrassed to be involved in such a scandal but stated that the council would fully cooperate with the police. He continued:
“The police system and justice system works the way it works here and we have to support them… Mr Hickey is entitled to the stance that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”
Mark Adams, IOC: Pat Hickey is ‘entitled for the world and everyone to believe he is innocent until proven guilty’https://t.co/GGlXW0tNae
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 17, 2016
Interestingly, Adams confirmed that no-one from the IOC was aware that the early morning arrest would take place. “[The police] had a press conference but they haven’t been in touch with us yet,” he added.
Adams clearly stated that the IOC would not be providing legal counsel to Hickey. He followed it up with a comment that suggests the IOC is already distancing itself from Hickey and the whole, sorry affair.
“I should make clear that these are allegations around the Irish Olympic Committee and Pat Hickey is their president… it is very much something for the Irish committee to sort out.”
While they were distancing themselves from one mess, the IOC left the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to deal with claims some judges at Rio 2016 are corrupt.
The flood of criticism attracted by a series of close, controversial judging decisions is a matter for the federation and its judging system, Adams said.
“Of course we take all allegations seriously,” he added. “If you want to give me an individual case, I can investigate for you.”
Adams did admit that ‘people have genuine concerns’.
A serious understatement in the midst of a crazy few days.
