Tom Davis wrote:
To the many of you who are clearly upset about this, it is my hope that you can try to understand why this article was written. In my personal opinion, I would hope that this article, in some shape or form, can help Alan learn that he needs to be better behaved and more responsible in a public setting. Alan Webb, just like any other person in the world, should and will be held accountable for their words and actions. If a high school kid acted like this after a race, it would not be acceptable; and why? Because we try to teach high school kids to be responsible for their actions. Alan hasn't entirely learned this yet, but you are never too old to learn something new and, sometimes it takes bold action for an individual to realize this.
Tom,
Your article portrays not only bad journalism, it also shows mean, almost evil character. But fine, you are what you are: some writer for an online news magazine that focuses on a rather small target group.
With that being said I cannot resist but to inform you that Alan Webb does not read letsrun. I know this first hand, as I am a friend (albeit not close) and have asked him in person a year or so ago. So, in this sense your intention to educate Alan has failed unfortunately. I am deeply sorry about that, as I am sure you are in a mature enough state of your life in which you are in a position to publicly "educate" an Athlete which you don't even know in person. I am sure he cares.
In the end, I know why you guys (Brojos included) write such kind of things. It is in your interest to stir up controversy, because people (me included) continue posting on that message board - and help you increase your profit. That's fine. Just be aware that although you may increase overall visitors on your site, those of professional athletes have steadily decreased. In fact, among many of the top US runners your site gains more and more enemies. I mean, certain people (I am sure you know who) literally laugh behind your back and feel sorry for you.