Everyone loves a winner. That's why successful sportsmen and women are such hot property with sponsors and the public; their success reflects on us all, we want to be associated with them and their deeds.
At the top level, profile is everything and the rewards of constantly seeking the media spotlight are immense. But there is a downside to all this publicity. When a high-profile personality steps out of line, there is likewise a significant degree of public and media interest in that too.
So it should come as little surprise that in today's paper, local driving ace Earl Bamber features prominently after appearing in court and admitting drink driving.
The Wanganui Chronicle has in recent months taken a stand on drink driving. We have undertaken to publish the names of everyone convicted in Wanganui District Court, as well as some of our surrounding courts.
Some people have taken issue with this approach but they fail to apportion the blame where it lies - on the individual who chose to drive. The law is quite clear, and no one could argue the issue hasn't been subject to considerable publicity. There simply are no excuses.