The question is a legal can of worms. The Venn diagram of 'current sportsmen' intersecting with 'positive role models for society' is a vanishingly small group (in which the likes of Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Johnny Wilkinson, David Beckham and Lance Armstrong can be found). Giving a young man a fortune is a dangerous thing. (Incidentally, there is a far higher proportionate of high-profile sportswomen who are great role models for girls: the likes of Rebecca Adlington, Paula Ratcliffe, Laura Robson, Clare Taylor, Elly Simmonds.)
Probably the decision will come down to whether John Terry has lost the authority and respect he needs in the eyes of his team-mates. Given that the England team is not blessed with saints, he'll probably keep his job. But the sport's image is diminished, and Mr Terry's sponsors may join Tiger Woods's in sitting on their hands until the flak dies down as well as his wife perhaps taking the legal high ground.
What a mess. Not exactly Bobby Moore, even if England do win the World Cup in 2010. And it puts a new complexion on why John Terry declined to join Manchester City earlier in the season.
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