Is this Japanese Coach paying off a member of the IOC or one of the judges?
No.
The IOC requires a “fee” to protest a ruling and – since VISA is the official card of the Olympic Games – my guess is that the coach only carries American Express. 😉
He was protesting the ruling that a stumble was actually part of the dismount routine and should be awarded points instead of a deduction. The judges reversed their decision and the difference was ultimately the deciding factor between a silver medal and 4th place.
So, bravo, money well spent.
But to openly display several hundred dollars being exchanged between a team and the IOC judges! Really?
I would think everyone, including the overly sensitive IOC, would be doubly cautious about appearances.
Hasn’t anybody heard of bill me later programs?
BTW, regardless of the outcome of the decision, the IOC gets to keep the money.
Wow, just wait until Roger Goodell hears about this money making idea!
Fumbled Returns 