mudrock:Obviously decisions that are made to be punitive, if this story is true, have to be kept out of the press. Gerrans obviously would not want to air out such a thing, if he hopes to still ride for his team for the remainder of the season. We probably won't know until next year, if Gerrans even feels like talking then.
Alternatively, if he were responsible for his own exclusion, why wouldn't he want to hold up his hand and say, "Yes - i made a mistake. I'm a big boy now, and i can admit fallibility. I can also be accountable for my actions. I should have done things differently and it was undisciplined not to. I understand what team rules are for and i also appreciate the importance of upholding them. There's not much i can do or say right now to change what happened, and i sure lost out in this case by missing out on a place in our TdF squad. I'm devastated, but I will try my best to do things differently next time." ...and then just wear the penalty with a stiff upper lip?
I reckon to be professional about this - and to handle it differently (ie. professionally) - would only have served to benefit everyone. It would've decreased rumours/intrigue, and serve to increase respect from the public and other teams. The rider, himself, would demonstrate that he is mature and of a certain character. It would show he is professional enough to take account of his actions. It would also probably save the manifestation of ill-feeling which would lead to a parting of ways. Honesty and professionalism (when combined) are highly valuable. Especially in the environment of trouble our sport has suffered though of recent times. It's all about respect, really.
gerard speaks of "excesses" in this sport. What he has allowed to occur, in this case, is the direct opposite. Secret Squirrel stuff - which the sport has had enough of over the past few seasons. All parties should take some responsibility for their actions and be accountable in this current pro-scene climate. We've had enough secrecy. To be honest and open - and provide official statements - shouldn't be considered an "excess" where it is constructive. Backing a dumb hissy-fit at a press conference with an official blog is rather less than constructive when the athlete concerned later apologises and makes you look silly.
Instead we had/have no comment or closure on what happened with Gerrans, whether ill feeling was the result, and why exactly we are now losing this guy to another team. All of which is just unnecessary and avoidable. Gerard knows this. His (and the rest of the team's management's) silence on the issue speaks volumes.