Yes the Grunewald/Hasay controversy is a black eye for the sport of track and field. Yes many look petty and comments made when angry make participants look particularly bad. The Then integrity of the sport comes into question. So how can this possibly be good for the sport?
Truthfully its created interest and press for a sport that has been fighting for wide spread recognition. More people are now interested in Grunewald and Hasay then ever before. At work, even nonrunners are discussing the issue.
I'm not saying its right, but I think this has been a boon for running. Strange but true. I guess as the saying goes, no press is bad press.