The man who fell to earth

IT’S difficult right now to say what poses the greatest threat to the integrity and reputation of sport, and its central place in the lives of hundreds of millions of people.

Is it the manipulation of the game by corrupt players and officials in thrall to powerful betting syndicates, or is it the endemic use of drugs — performance-enhancing and recreational — afflicting and tarnishing so many great events and participants, making cynics of the rest of us?

While the Pakistan cricket team continues on its merry way in England, and setting aside the tumultuous event of Cork’s All-Ireland victory, two of the most eye-catching headlines this week emerged from the dark side.