July 13, 2000

If the case against former SLOC leaders Tom Welch and Dave Johnson goes to trial, it may not end quickly.

It could, in fact, create a bit of a distraction around the time of the 2002 games.

News Specialist Richard Piatt explains what that could mean.

It could mean a public relations disaster, on top of everything else SLOC is worrying about.

But since the whole thing is out of SLOC's control, some hope Welch and Johnson do the community a favor.

The Olympic scandal may not get any worse, but there's no doubt a trial will drag it out.

And to one man with a stake in the Olympics, Michael Gallivan, there's only one way, and two people who can stop that: Tom Welch and Dave Johnson.

Gallivan says, "I think it would be a favor to this community for them to agree to a plea bargain in the name of getting this over and getting on with this Olympic celebration."

Mickey Gallivan is an advertising executive, worried about any distraction from the games.

He is one of a handful of Utahns who believes the Olympics can electrify a community. Others who know the experience are also on the front lines of preparing for 2002.

Mitt Romney, who says he doesn't want to distract from justice, makes no bones about wanting the whole thing to end.

"I don't want to put pressure on any party, but I hope the discussions can lead to a resolution that will not result in a lengthy, painful trial," he says.

Salt Lake's Olympic Organizing Committee also has a financial interest in ending the Welch-Johnson saga.

It is footing the bill for their legal bills, currently at about $1-million and counting.

A guilty plea could affect that arrangement. But SLOC and IOC members say they're not worried about that now, because it's out of their control.

IOC member Anita DeFrantz says, "What I'm concerned about is making the games fantastic here in Salt Lake City. A lot of people are working really hard to make that happen."