It is no surprise that Kevan Gosper's public exposure of the IOC's closed-door dealings with China on Olympic media restrictions has led to calls for his resignation. Nor is it a surprise that he was forced into an embarrassing public statement that he had got it all wrong after criticising the IOC hierarchy.

There is something strange about this sordid affair. Gosper is an experienced IOC member and he must surely have understood that such criticism would have disastrous consequences. He must also be aware of increasing public criticism of the IOC's operations. He knew he was making a very serious allegation that implicated the IOC in restriction of human rights freedoms. Is it possible that Gosper has had enough of an organisation that has a reputation for secret wheeling and dealing when allocating Olympic Games, and whose members swan around the world being wined and dined by hopeful applicants?

Gosper should resign now, with reputation and integrity intact.

After all, what better way to go than drawing the world's attention to IOC actions that breach the very spirit of the Olympic Games movement?

John Bell, Lyneham

Not long ago, there was the news that many inhabitants of the Beijing area had to move from their homes. These houses, however good or pitiful their condition, were then destroyed ''to make way for the Games''.

Then, at the end of July, China made mass arrests so there would be ''no trouble during the Olympics''.

I know many athletes have made sacrifices to be there and see these Games as their highest goal I understand their still being willing to compete in China.

But I see it as disgraceful that any of our politicians should be there. I know about the importance of trade relations with China, but is there no morality left? And what about the assurance about human rights which China gave to the top Olympic body?

Suzanne Hayes, Yarralumla

Right on, Alan Hoystead (Letters, August 2), China should never have been given the Games. Any glory (or just uplifting good feelings) left in the Games is gone forever. Ask the thousands of Chinese people whose homes have been razed (and paid a measly compensation) to make way for a looking-good China. Hungry, haggard people spoil the view. I suggest we make our protests felt we just won't watch the televised Games.

Marie Gordon, Palmerston

I have been wondering whether there are any male athletes going to the Beijing Olympics at all. Every time I pick up The Canberra Times (or see any other media) there is yet another feature about some nubile young female (with pictures, of course). It's all getting very tedious (and sexist).

John Moulis, Pearce

Carney doesn't get it

Todd Carney sealed his fate with that letter to the Sunday Canberra Times.

He just doesn't get it at all, does he?

Instead of issuing a mea culpa and begging for yet another last chance, he chose to gloss over the details, say drunken-boys-will-be-boys and whine on about the Raiders board not talking with him. They had the facts. What exactly would he have told them that he didn't tell us in his lame letter? He would have needed more than that to change the outcome.

Perhaps he should explain what he did after the recipient of his urine recoiled, slipping over in the urinal.

Tom Waring, Ainslie