Mike Caviston wrote:And of course, “I lack any trace of sportsmanship or basic human decency and am not fit to associate with others.”ranger wrote:I don't race on a team.
I am not a member of a club.
I am not rowing for a school or country.
I don't have a coach, other than myself.
I am not racing in a big boat with others.
When and where I race is entirely up to me.
A few years ago when I was still at UMich, I went to the indoor race at Elkhart, IN. Cureton shows up at the gymnasium, checks in with the race officials, is weighed in, spends some time chatting with some of the other people in attendance, then proceeds to one of the warm-up ergs, presumably to get ready for his race. A few other heats are run, and an announcement is made for the competitors in the veterans event to report to their race ergs. Time for the race to start, seven ergs are occupied, one erg is empty. An announcement is made for Richard Cureton to report to his erg, the race is about to start. No Cureton. Race volunteers go off to check the locker room, the hallway, the parking lot. No Cureton. Seven racers wait patiently to give every opportunity to someone who had clearly shown up with the intention of racing. More requests for Cureton over the PA. Finally, after several minutes delay, the race starts with one erg empty. Cureton has another city to add to the Never-Ending DNS Tour (Birmingham, Chicago, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Toronto), having slunk out without a word or a nod to anyone and no thought or care as to who might be inconvenienced.
Also as a consequence, the ninth veteran entered, Paul Randall, was left alone in a heat of one. However, that did have a feel-good result as seven volunteers (including Paul’s grandson and great grandson) were recruited to row through with him during his time trial, and Paul was accompanied by as much cheering as for any of the high school or college races.
What would possess him to do this? I played in dozens of matches over the years when i wasn't feeling my best but you just suck it up and get on with it. It is clear that after his initial success he is now petrified of losing in a public arena. BIRC confirmed this.All the internet bravado counts for nothing when you are yellow