Olympic Scandal

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 502, 3 November 1928, Page 9

Olympic Scandal

“REPORT WAS BUNK,” SAYS TEAM MEMBER LEGAL ACTION THREATENED (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Kee. 11.30 a m. MELBOURNE. Today. Interest in the so-called "Olympic scandal” grows, following the team manager, Mr. L. Duff's report to the Federation, naming Charles Stuart, the middle-dis-tance runner, and Tom Bolger. the wrestler, as neglectful in their

training during the trio. Stuart declares that he will seek legal advice, as he considers the charge amounts to defamation of character. He did more track work, he says, than any other member of the team, but under the conditions his chances were hopeless. Further than that he would not speak at present. Robert Pearce, the sculling champion, unhesitatingly denounces the training arrangements. He would not have had a chance himself, he says, but for action taken privately by his father. White, the Victorian member of the Olympic team, who is now in Sydney, sums up Mr. Duff's report as "bunk.” and says that the tour was a farce from beginning to end. The federation in future should make arrangements that yill give the Australians at least a fighting chance.

An earlier message said that the Olympic Council had received complaints from the Australian team’s manager. Mr. Ia Duff, against Stuart and Bolger. Mr Duff said they were apathetic in their training abroad, and failed pro pertly to diet themselves. The council will consider the complaints.