Save our O’Suls

Snooker reporters are up in arms at the governing body’s decision to waiver Ronnie O’Sullivan’s media duties.

Radio Five claimed that “O’Sullivan would now rightly be condemned” and that the “authorities were indulging him”.

I am not sure I have ever heard such an intoxicating cocktail of hubris and arrogance, even from the media.

A minor reality check. O’Sullivan is a living legend who is getting over the death of a close friend – Paul Hunter.

Furthermore, it is more important for all concerned that O’Sullivan is playing in the tournament, and it is testament to his character and ability that he is. He is a person first, sportsman second and media fodder third – if at all.

The snooker authority’s hierarchy of responsibility follows this. Players first, audience second (and it to the audiences benefit that O’Sullivan is playing); the media are not even in the picture.

But, then again, when did the media last take a logical look at situation. They see themselves as number one and ethics as a home county.