Snowboarder Scott Lago banished from Olympics

It only took one snapshot instant. After a few questionable pictures of snowboarder, and Olympic bronze medalist in the half pipe, Scott Lago hit the internet, he was asked to leave the Olympic Games by US officials.

I say, good for them. Before the summer games in Beijing, the United States Olympic committee created an etiquette program for all Olympic athletes. The goal of the program was to minimize negative press, to show respect for the cultures of host nations, and to boost the USA image internationally.

In the pictures, an unamed female was seen biting Scott Lago's medal which was located in the crotch of Lago's pants. The suggestive pictures were enough for the USOC to conclude Lago had violated their etiquette program. Lago apologized for the incident, and was shipped home.

The United States sent a message to their athletes, and to the world, that they are trying to change the image that many American's have in the media. The question still begs though, what was Lago thinking? In the digital era, any photo taken, especially when you are a celebrity, is bound to be exposed. Just ask Michael Phelps about his pot smoking pictures.

Either way, Scott Lago has now learned his lesson and will now be watching the remainder of the Olympic Games from his couch at home instead of being treated like a hero in the Olympic Village. Sure it was a simple mistake, but these athletes need to exemplify respect and professionalism when they are in public.

Snowboarding is a sport that already stuggles with image issues in the general public, as does the United States on a world scale. Fortunately, the US officials dealt with Scott Lago quickly and decisively and showed that his behaviour is not acceptable for an Olympic athlete; especially a medalist.

Let the games begin.

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