Organised crime reportedly has a foothold in Australian sport
but do its evil tentacles extend to New Zealand?
The shady side of Australian sport was uncovered this week by
the Australian Crime Commission's report which found evidence
of systematic doping and some links to organised crime.
If there is a link between organised crime and New Zealand
sport, no-one in the academic community is shining a light on
it.
Professor Steve Jackson, of the school of physical education
at the University of Otago, said New Zealand's body of
academic work in the area was very limited.
''It certainly isn't a focus of researchers in New Zealand,''
Prof Jackson said.
''There is so little money in New Zealand sport that it is
hard to imagine it would be a huge target for organised
crime.
''We shouldn't assume because it is happening in Australia
that it is happening here. Again, the market is smaller and
it should be easier to identify with four million people
versus 20 million people.''
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.