Friday, March 18, 2022
Column HR334
THE QUEEN ABDICATES!
The fallout from the Old Dart Coach’s effort entitled “DISCRIMINATION!” has been like rain in Seattle – nonstop. Like an earthquake in California the aftershocks are notable and just keep coming.
Just moments before yesterday’s column was posted, Real Dart Fanatics broke the story of Fallon “the Queen of the Palace” Sherrock’s withdrawal from the WDF “OUR” World Championships in April.
Ms. Sherrock had originally declined an invitation to participate in December. Following the WDF’s outrageous banning of Anastasia Dobromyslova, Ms. Sherrock decided to join the WDF field. Now, as a lady has right to do, Sherrock has changed her mind. She’s pulled out, issuing the following statement via her management company.
We are saddened to advise that Fallon Sherrock will not be participating in the WDF Lakeside World Championship in April. This is by no means a reflection on the WDF. We would like to thank them for the original invitation and wish them well with their tournament.”
Of course, it’s “a reflection” on the WDF, regardless of spin!
To believe the WDF’s discriminatory actions had nothing with Sherrock’s decision is as absurd as believing the Easter Bunny leaves colored chicken eggs.
Sherrock’s a heroine in this scenario whether she chooses to be or not. Let’s see if any other players show the same respect for the credo of “fairness” in sport.
Another factor perhaps was Ms. Sherrock’s management company serendipitously receiving copies of letters sent by WDF President Bill Hatter and WDF Secretary General Nick Rolls. Both letters were obtained by the ODC from inside the WDF.
The WDF President on March 3 posted a rehash of the WDF statement on their website (or maybe it’s just hash). Mr. Hatter’s letter is riddled with misstatements and cherry-picks portions of various IOC (International Olympic Committee) statements he wishes people to accept support his fallacious argument.
As a well-known English darts figure anonymously observed, like so many organizations the WDF can’t wait to jump in to be politically correct and make a balls up. They are looking for recognition like the 3-year-ld crying for attention.
Hatter wrote, we (WDF) cannot and should not sit this one out. This is different, as governments, businesses and other international organizations have imposed sanctions and measures against Russia across all sectors. Sport must step up and join these.
Hatter doesn’t state why the WDF should not sit this one out as all other sports organizations have.
The WDF decision is nothing but pure, unadulterated discrimination in its slimiest of forms. It reeks an aroma pungent in its utterly transparent mix of political hackery and public relations gain and for other reasons considered crass compared to respectable personal conviction. The WDF is playing judge and jury – and convicting the innocent of a crime not committed.
The IOC (EB) stated, The Olympic Movement is united in its sense of fairness not to punish athletes for the decisions of their government if they are not actively participating in them. We are committed to fair competitions for everybody without any discrimination.
The WDF completely disregarded this IOC “recommendation“!
NONE of the players banned has been accused nor is there any evidence that …they (are) actively participating in decisions of their government. That’s the facts, Jack!
Mr. Hatter also conveniently discards the IOC’s commitment to fair competitions for everybody without any discrimination.
The IOC led into their pronouncement with. The IOC EB has therefore today carefully considered the situation and, with a heavy heart, issued the following resolution…” (The statement will surprise many as they aren’t aware that the IOC has a heart) …to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC EB recommends that International Sports Federations and sports event organizers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.
So, after the IOC says not to punish athletes or discriminate against them, they (IOC) then recommend the exact opposite!
And the WDF shamelessly hops into their bed!
Mr. Hatter displays all the characteristics of a political hack for whom grandstanding is a way of life. In truth, NO International Sports Organization has banned an individual Russian athletic let alone an English citizen, as is Anastasia Dobromyslova. Russian athletes are competing in footbol, ice hockey and tennis as individuals. And so it is also for darts – in the PDC.
WDF Secretary General Nick Rolls’ letter to the banned player is ingenious and inaccurate. When contacted, Ms. Dobromyslova, through her spokesperson, stated they didn’t receive the letter.
Mr. Rolls repeats the same cherry-picked item: …a decision has been taken for the WDF to follow the IOC recommendation that no Russian or Belarusian players or officials be permitted to participate in WDF events or ranked tournaments until further notice.”
The ODC concurs with one darter’s opinion that, ALL players should boycott the tournament – force the WDF to either 1) do the right and honorable thing or 2) hold the event in an empty room. Leonard Gates and Kevin Luke, for the USA – and all other players – should step up and LEAD, walk the walk, do the RIGHT thing. The WDF’s position stinks to high heaven and must not be allowed to stand!
When the late Stacy Bromberg was denied the opportunity to defend her world championship title no one stood up. It didn’t affect them. Now the attitude is “it doesn’t affect me.” When it does, you’ll wonder “why is no one standing up for me?” Pay backs are a bitch.
A top American darter and great person opined that all sports were banning players. None are. Then they added, “It’s just two players.” Numbers don’t define discrimination – but fairness, honesty and integrity do.
One name is consistent with the Bromberg incident and this one: Buddy Bartoletta.
The easiest decision to make is always the one about what someone else’s action or behavior should be. Therefore, the ODC hereby swears that until the WDF reverses its discriminatory position he will not under any circumstance accept an invitation to participate in the 2022 WDF “OUR” World Championships.
The above statement shall be recorded on St. Patrick’s Day.
Definitely not thirsty, my friends!
