JT> *I* think, they "sweetened" his stay home deal with a bit of
JT> money rather than fame, and that, coupled with the "exclusive"
JT> TV interview deals (which pay more), his arm would have been
JT> twisted enough for him to

JT> stay home.

> I heard on one of the news services that the young guy was given
> a good paying job, and a cash bonus incentive to let Thorpe have
> the 400m place....

JT> As I always say, I might be wrong, but I doubt it. :-)

 His manager negotiated a $100K payment for the "exclusive" interview
plus a jornalism cadetship with Ch7. I can't remember the name of the
CEO of Ch7, but he said on camera that the $100K was to be paid
*whatever* Neville announced, it was not meant to influence him in any
way...

 And my cock's a kipper and there's fish for breakfast.  

Regards,
Bob

--- BQWK Alpha 0.5