They say that cheaters never prosper and this has proved particularly true in sport over the years. Many athletes have tried to beat the system by dishonest means: either to help them on their quest for glory or for financial gain, but few get away with it.
However, there have also been occasions when sportsmen and women are arrested wrongfully. Although the presumption might be to assume they’re automatically guilty – it must always be remembered that they are innocent until proven guilty.
Last week, it was the sport of snooker that was brought into disrepute after Stephen Lee was arrested following a two-year investigation into suspicious betting patterns.
The 35-year-old is suspected to have cheated following a lengthy joint operation between the police and the Gambling Commission.
However, Lee was bailed soon after his arrest and is confident that no charges will result after facing questions from the police.
Lee’s management company, On Q Promotions, issued a statement saying that the snooker veteran was confident his name would be cleared.
“Stephen co-operated fully with the police inquiry and was released without charge. He does not expect any charge to be made and denies any involvement with cheating or betting irregularities.
“Stephen is now concentrating on practicing hard to achieve qualification for the World Championships and to fulfill all of his exhibition commitments.
“Stephen Lee and On Q Promotions will not be making any further comments and would ask that the privacy of Stephen and his family is respected.”
The father-of-four is currently ranked 25th in the world rankings, but has reached the top five on two separate occasions in his career. He has also earned an estimated £1.6million in career prize money over the course of his 18-year career after winning four Ranking Events, including the Welsh Open in 2006.
However, Lee hasn’t enjoyed the best of times in recent years and even considered quitting the game two years ago after he revealed that the sport was “dragging” him down as he struggled regain his best form.
Not a player unused to controversy, either, Lee tested positive for cannabis in 2000 and has also struggled with weight problems after admitting to binge drinking and eating.
He is, of course, innocent until proven otherwise, though, and the entire snooker world are hoping that these allegations are unfounded and that Lee will get back to his best, rediscover his love for the sport and push on to win a few more events before he retires.
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World Snooker, meanwhile, will now wait for further developments on the case before making a decision over any potential action.
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