July 24, 2001--

It's looking more and more likely there will be a disturbing distraction to next year's 2002 Winter Games. As athletes compete and the world watches, it's quite possible--if not probable--the court case in the Olympic bribery scandal still will not be resolved.

News Specialist John Daley has details.

Believe it or not, there are now just 199 days until the Olympics--precious little time to settle the high-profile legal battle over the bribery scandal.

With the Opening Ceremonies now less than 7 months away, here's the WORST CASE scenario: The court battle regarding Salt Lake's Olympic bid scandal lingers and there's no resolution--even as we celebrate the Games.

Federal judge David Sam has dismissed 4 felony counts of bribery and racketeering. Federal prosecutors may appeal that ruling. What's more, Sam postponed the trial date indefinitely, and still has not ruled on 11 other charges. Thus we have an Olympic limbo that probably won't play out until after the Games.

Ken Bullock/SLOC Trustee: "I THINK CLEARLY IT'LL BE A DISTRACTION, BUT MORE FOR THE MEDIA AND THOSE WHO HAVE AN INTEREST IN FOLLOWING THE TRIAL, BUT I THINK THE GAMES THEMSELVES AND THE FACT THAT THE WORLD IS COMING HERE WITH WORLD-CLASS ATHLETES WILL BE THE OVERRIDING STORY FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME, BUT IT CAN'T HELP BUT BE A SIDESHOW."

Mitt Romney/SLOC President: "I HAVE TO BE HONEST. I REALLY DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE TRIAL. I MEAN I REALLY SAY I CAN'T HAVE ANY INFLUENCE ON IT. DON'T WANT TO HAVE ANY INFLUENCE ON IT. IT'S SEPARATE FROM WHAT WE'RE DOING. LET THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEFENDANTS DO THEIR VERY BEST AND LET THINGS HAPPEN THE WAY THEY HAPPEN. BUT IT DOESN'T KEEP

But the waiting must add stress to Tom Welch and Dave Johnson who are anxious to clear their names. Likewise--the community has never gotten a full accounting from all the key players, many who still hold key Olympic positions.

Board Members Frank Joklik, Spence Eccles, and Anita DeFrantz, who denied knowing about the alleged bribery scheme. Lawyer Kelly Flint, who signed hundreds of thousands of dollars of checks, and Jim Jardine, who admitted his law firm shredded Olympic documents. Governor Mike Leavitt, who says he was kept in the dark. All of these players share one thing--they deny they did anything wrong. Defense attorneys are appealing to the Judge to help resolve the case.

Bill Taylor/Attorney for Tom Welch: "ISN'T IT REALLY TIME TO MOVE ON? YOU HAVE A NEW ADMINISTRATION AT THE IOC. YOU HAVE REFORMS. YOU HAVE THE GAMES COMING TO SALT LAKE CITY IN FEBRUARY. THERE'S REALLY NO FURTHER POINT IN PURSUING THESE GENTLEMEN."

Federal prosecutors--however--have indicated they are sticking by their case. Meantime--there are signs that Welch and Johnson have become sympathetic figures--even martyrs for the Olympic cause.

Today--at the Days of '47 Parade--a man was spotted holding up a large sign that read: "Free Dave Johnson."