by Larry Eder
Bill Rodgers and Tom Fleming comment on Rolling Stone cover controversy by Jeff Benjamin
Without a doubt, we live in a world where things get publicized to gauge a public reaction. Most people by now have heard about the controversy surrounding the cover of this past week’s Rolling Stone Magazine, displaying a photo of the surviving accused Boston Marathon bomber. Two runners with an integral link to the world’s oldest continuing marathon decided to chime in.
New Jersey’s Tom Fleming, whose two 2nd places finishes at Boston during the 1970s (including a 2:12 PR), was not happy at all:
“Money rules the word … Great business move for the Mag .. Sell more reader subscripts. This cover made me angry. He is a terrorist.. a killer .. Why do we showcase his terrible and sick behavior? Time Mag has done this for years as well … So I was not surprised by RS … But I personally would never buy the magazine with his face on the cover!”
One of Boston’s greatest Marathoners, 4-time Champion Bill Rodgers, echoed Fleming’s sentiments:
“I think it was kind of fraudulent. Lets deglamorize everyone who terrorizes the
American people”
Aside from their anger which, judging by the reaction throughout the country, has been agreed upon, their passion for Boston has not abated. Count on Fleming coming up next year, both as a Coach and a spectator, as he has in previous years. “Boston Billy” has already announced that he intends to run the Marathon next year in a sign of solidarity and a statement against terrorism.
All fans of running can’t wait to see them, along with the thousands of runners and champions past, present and future, return to the starting line at Hopkinton next Patriot’s Day to show the world that the race will continue to go on and not give in to terror!!
