The past week has seen the media go into a frenzy over the release of both Roy Keane and Kevin Pietersen's autobiographies.
With both being controversial figures within their respected sports, they undoubtedly divided opinion and made enemies. The two have not pulled any punches in giving their side of the stories in which they have been vilified by their fellow professionals.
Out of the two, Keane is now retired from the playing side and is currently assistant manager to Paul Lambert at Aston Villa, combining this role with an identical one under Martin O'Neil at the Republic of Ireland. What does this honestly say about Keane's career since hanging up his boots? His debut managerial role at Sunderland started on a high with them gaining promotion to the Premier League, however the end of his tenure came by the way of resignation amid unrest among club officals, himself and the players (who apparently celebrated when he left). At Ipswich his stay wasn't very successful either, having failed to get the Tractor Boys genuinely near a promotion place. He then became a pundit for ITV Football, at times appearing alongside former rival Patrick Vieira. So to conclude, his post-playing career has seen him experience a far from steady incline. Could his outburst against former managers and players be a case of sour grapes?
This autobiography follows the one from his former boss Ferguson. Upon Keane's transfer to Celtic the two weren't on good times and both have had their say in their respected books. As you can probably tell, Keane never saw a fear factor with the legendary scot and has recently stated he would have a few choice words if given the chance. It would be hard to see either man backing Down during that argument.
So, moving onto Pietersen. After dividing to play for England rather than his native South Africa, apparently due to a disagreement concerning racial agendas. He had an immediate impact and was fast becoming a major player for the national cricket team. However, like Keane, he had a winning mentality, and would push for victory whenever he deemed it necessary. An approach frowned upon by traditionalists, especially during test matches. It has been well documented that he has fallen out with team mates in the past and has never really seen eye to eye with cricketing bodies.
It hasn't just been their careers that have divided opinions though. Their methods and personalities have never stuck well with fellow peers. Is it down to pure arrogance? Or are they just arguing their point of view mercilessly? Professionals in the past have been known to turn a blind eye, take the money and just get on with their job, but there are always those that care too much than just to stand by and do nothing. Are they always in the right? Possibly not, but it is refreshing to see people giving their opinions and standing up for what they believe in.
On the other hand, have they gone too far with what they say and how they say it? Keane certainly has a way of saying things that get up peoples backs, and has a very "old school" approach to the way he manages himself within the game. With football handling itself in the very modern way that it does, and perhaps losing some of its dignity at the same time, there maybe no wonder why the fiery Irishman is getting increasingly frustrated.
Even racing drivers have got in on the act. Formula One's Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes team mate (not to mention long term friend) Nico Rosberg were involved in a rivalry well documented by the press. Both denied having anything against each other although their body language told otherwise. Their uneasy relationship came to a boiling point when Rosberg clipped Hamilton while trying to overtake him during the Belgian Grand Prix. The Englishman insisted Rosberg had deliberately collided with him in order to claim an advantage, something Rosberg never denied and the Mercedes team were with furious with.
Normally rivalries are hyped up with fighting sports such as boxing and UFC, but in team sports its is fairly uncommon. Yes there are rivalries as there are in any competitive sports, but airing you're views (bad ones) multiple times, certainly in Keane's case, highlights just how heated his career has been. Some of the tension created and stories that have been highlighted could give WWE a run for their money!
So is it advisable to air dirty laundry so openly to the public? In a publicity sense, its gold dust, but in a professional capacity, its probably not the best idea. Maybe Keane and Pietersen feel secure enough within they're current jobs that a backlash wouldn't hurt them too badly, or maybe they just felt the need to defend themselves.
No doubt there will be more war of words where these came from, and as the public seems to love a good dose of gossip, the stories may become juicier and juicier.
Source: DSG
