Indictment Poll
July 21, 2000
The day after federal charges were filed against Tom Welch and Dave Johnson in the Salt Lake Olympic bribery scandal, some old questions are still with us.
If indeed there was any wrongdoing, did Welch and Johnson act alone? Or did other Olympics organizers and local leaders give the marching orders, or at least know to what beat they were marching?
We put those questions to Utahns in an exclusive Eyewitness News-Viewer Voice Poll.
What we found were some very strong opinions.
News Specialist John Daley has the results.
Utahns are clearly expressing strong opinions about the Olympic bribery scandal.
Chief among them, that other top Olympic and political leaders also knew about the alleged bribery scheme.
Tom Welch and Dave Johnson now stand officially accused of using bribery to win the Olympics. It's a charge that Welch vehemently denies.
Tom Welch/Former Salt Lake Olympic President: "THE IDEA THAT WE DEFRAUDED THE BID COMMITTEE OR ANYBODY ELSE IS PREPOSTEROUS. SO IS THE CHARGE THAT WE BRIBED ANYONE."
But the public isn't so sure.
Survey USA polled 307 adults familiar with the Olympic bribery scandal, asking them:
"Do you think the two executives charged--Tom Welch and Dave Johnson--were involved in bribery?"
Were Welch & Johnson Involved In Bribery?
Tom Welch/Former Salt Lake Olympic President: "I STILL BELIEVE IN THE OLYMPICS. FOR SALT LAKE AND EVERYONE ELSE IT'S A DREAM. FOR DAVE AND I IT IS A NIGHTMARE."
It would appear Utahns also think Welch and Johnson have been unfairly singled out.
We asked, "Do you believe the two men charged with leading the bribery scheme acted alone, or with the knowledge of other Olympic Committee officials?"
Did They Act Alone?
| Acted Alone | 9% |
| Others Knew | 87% |
| Aren't Sure | 4% |
While some believe they acted alone, a staggering 87% believe other Olympic Committee officials knew.
We also asked about politicians, specifically: "Do you believe any city or state politicians had knowledge of the bribery scheme?"
Did Politicians Know?
| Didn't Know | 13% |
| Did Know | 82% |
| Not Sure | 5% |
Legal experts suggest that the fact that "other people knew" may not be especially effective as a defense strategy.
They say for Welch and Johnson to be found innocent, their attorneys need to prove they did not do what the government is accusing them of doing.
