Bob Fine to banned UK masters sprinter: ‘SHUT UP!’
Anthony Treacher, our British friend banned for being a noodnik, made the mistake recently of asking a USATF masters official about Florida track meets in 2008. Anthony wrote Bob Fine. At first, the exchange of email beginning Tuesday was civil, but then Bob kind of lost it. Here’s the back-and-forth, as documented by Anthony:
First Bob answered Anthony’s questions:
I spoke to Winston at the WMA Championships. He advised that your suspension is over as of Jan 17th. Thus, if you wish to compete in Florida meets after that date, please send me your Florida address and the dates you will be in Florida.
The dates have not been set for the track meets in South Florida. The National Training Center in Clermont (25 miles north of Orlando) will be hosting monthly meets.
Bob
Then Anthony replied:
Thanks. That was nice. The Mattsson Sweden-USA Heritage meeting may not come off because of lack of interest. But my wife and I may still travel, in which case we leave Sweden around January 19.
Actually I am still extremely annoyed at Winston Thomas’ handling of my case throughout. I will be making efforts to have my disgraceful disqualification removed prior to Jan 17th. And I will continue my efforts to have the British Team Manager censured for his conduct at the Linz championships. OK, I know….
Anyway, thanks again.
Anthony
And finally Bob went ballistic:
For crying out loud if “O.K. I know” means anything then stop being your own worst enemy and simply SHUT UP!
I haven’t figured out if you are psychotic or simply stupid. If you don’t stop your actions, then you could possibly face an additional suspension.
I’ve been involded in WMA longer than anyone else on earth. Trust me – you won’t accomplish anything.
Bob
Tsk tsk, Bob. You’re not making friends this way.
2 Responses
IMHO, I found Anthony’s experience interesting and read a number of the early posts, but I have to agree with Bob – I’m over it. The issue seems to show up in a number of forums where it doesn’t always seem pertinent. Although I would refrain from the “stupid” comment, it does get old after awhile.
There are times that things happen in masters track and field as well as life that are misinterpretations, outright mistakes, and even personally-biased opinions that impact the outcomes of events. No, it isn’t fair, but sometimes we simply have to make our case known publicly, learn from our experiences, and move on. I think Anthony’s made his case, over and over and over and over again.
Mr Treacher has reason to be frustrated and he certainly has let us all know just what he thinks of the British Team Manager. He has also let us know (in the forum mainly) what he thinks about how he has been treated by our cross-the pond cousins with some frequency. Well that is what happens on blogs and forums these days, it is an outlet for all sorts of communication – good, bad, and ugly.
As for Mr Fine, tell us what you really think Bob – don’t be shy.
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