On Caesar's wife

I can appreciate the virtue of an individual's freedom of association; I also object to legislating or regulating morality.

I imagine the recent decision by the CHRB, to turn a blind eye to Ahmed Zayat's association with illegal bookmakers, did not come without deliberation.

A game, reliant on gambling, desperate for patronage, cannot just bar anyone associated with less than upstanding individuals (whatever the hell that means). I mean, what sort of people would it then attract, if all it demanded of its stakeholders was moral rectitude?

The grandstands are deserted as it is.

Wasn't it a couple years ago, the NFL hinted to Mr. McNair, his status in the the league might come under scrutiny if he continued to patronize horse racing? Am I making that up?

I don't have a dog in this fight and I don't really care with whom Ahmed Zayat associates.

I know racing is in trouble. The public perception is not a positive one and perceptions are reality, to the beholder.

I don't know what the legal ramifications of revoking his license might be and I understand the real problem of singling Ahmed Zayat as an example.

I do know, in a time when more and more we come to expect less and less of each other, the demulcent adjudication of setting some minimum bar of expectant behavior, might buttress the morale of whatever hands are left on deck.

Let some corner of the game be above reproach.