Editorial: IOC still is in need of overhaul

Friday, Dec. 17, 1999 | 9:11 a.m.

The president of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch, finally testified before Congress this week. He had delayed his appearance until Wednesday because, he said, he wanted to wait until the IOC passed its reform package that is supposed to address issues of corruption raised in the selection of host cities. Based on the loopholes in the so-called reforms, it seemed that Samaranch's appearance was hardly worth the wait.

The reforms passed last weekend included attempts to stop bribery, such as a ban on IOC members from taking all-expenses-paid trips to cities hoping to be selected. But, as was pointed out by Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., IOC members could still receive some gifts. Also raising eyebrows was the fact that the IOC president would be exempt from the ban on gifts. Samaranch claimed he has no say in which cities get selected, so he didn't feel the need to be included, but his defense rings hollow. In addition, Samaranch also felt heat for his wife accepting a $12,000 trip to visit Georgia and South Carolina in 1990 from the Atlanta Olympic Organizing Committee. This occurred in the same year that Atlanta was selected to host the 1996 Summer Games.

The chairman of the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, told Samaranch that he should resign. Barton is right. Samaranch claimed he has "cleaned the house," but as long as his cronies are in power real reforms will never take hold. Unfortunately, as soon as the media scrutiny subsides and Congress turns its attention to other issues, the IOC hierarchy likely will slide back into its old way of doing business. Enriching themselves, not promoting international athletic competition, will be at the top of their agenda. People will still tune in and watch the incredible athletic performances, but unless genuine reforms are implemented, the Olympic Games' image will continue to be tarnished.