The Ripple Effects of Misplaced Blame

http://select.nytimes.com/mem/tnt.html?emc=tnt&tntget=2007/08/28/sports/othersports/28track.html&tntemail0=y

Before arriving in Japan, I would have read this article and probably pondered for a few moments about how absurd the idea sounds that a massage therapist's lotion somehow could sabotage the career of an internationally renowned athlete, before moving on to something else. Now, after meeting the team of trainers who devote their every waking hour to the health and injury-repair of the US Team and personally benefiiting from their therapy, I am absolutely incensed at the thought that their credibility as care-takers might be called into question by his accusations.
Thankfully, the article does at least potray Bennie Vaughn in a very positive light - as he unquestionably deserves. The part that troubles me is the insinuation that as of what may or may not have happened to Gaitlin via contact with a particular trainer, the rest of the lesser-known medical staff may suffer from raised levels of scrutiny - and even outright suspicion - amid decreased levels of trust. There cannot be a successful trainer-athlete interaction unless a HUGE amount of trust is available, with honesty and open communication from both sides. So to read that Tyson Gay would only accept Vaughn's hands after his race leaves a small part of me feeling proud of and happy for Bennie - because I like him immensely as a person and as a physio - but for the most part, angry that an injustice is being served to the rest of the very well-meaning, skilled, caring, and ethical training staff.