July 20, 2000--
Today's indictments are the latest chapter in a story that's been part drama, and part tragedy.
It began decades ago, when the thought of Salt Lake City as an Olympic city first captured the imagination of civic leaders.
It became reality five years ago..
Juan Antonio Samaranch, President IOC: ".. the city of Salt Lake City!"
It was all so much fun back then. A state joyous that all that hard work by members of the Olympic Bid Committee had finally paid off.
As the "honeymoon" progressed, work continued on the many venues. Smiling IOC members visited periodically to check our work. All seemed well.
Then in 1998, a bombshell: the initial allegations that the bid committee funneled money to IOC members before they voted on the 2002 city.
Frank Joklik, then SLOC Pres.: "THE INTENTION OF THE PROGRAM WAS TRULY TO BE OF ASSISTANCE TO SPORTS PROGRAMS IN LESS PRIVELIGED COUNTRIES."
The words "scandal" and "bribery" were then muttered in the same breath as the games. Soon, the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department began a criminal investigation into the matter.
The IOC had kept a low profile until a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, in December of 1998. Long-time member Marc Hodler said bribes were common, and that Salt Lake just got caught!
Mark Hodler, Dec. 1998: "SALT LAKE CITY WAS A VICTIM." "DO YOU THINK ATLANTA WAS A CLEANLY FOUGHT VICTORY?" Hodler: "CERTAINLY NOT!"
SLOC immediately tried to make peace.
Frank Joklik/Then SLOC Pres.: "I APOLOGIZE TO THE OLYMPIC FAMILY AND TO THE CITIZENS OF UTAH FOR THE EMBARASSMENT CAUSED..."
But it wasn't enough. In early 1999, sponsors began to re-evaluate their committments. U.S. West held back on its promised $5-million check.
By then it was clear, a major housecleaning was needed at SLOC.
President Frank Joklik resigned, as did Vice-President Dave Johnson.
Governor Leavitt called on the IOC to clean up its own act.
Gov. Mike Leavitt/Jan. 1999: "THIS CORNOR OF OLYMPIC CORRUPTION DID NOT BEGIN IN SALT LAKE. BUT IT MUST END HERE!"
In February of 1999, Massachusetts businessman, Mitt Romney took over as the new SLOC President.
Mitt Romney/SLOC President: "THESE GAMES AND THE PREPARATION LEADING UP TO THESE GAMES WILL BE HELD AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF ETHICAL CONDUCT."
More Detailed Chronology
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