Questions

The Amateur Athletic Union, governing body of amateur athletics, last week sent out a list of 66 questions to its 157 governors. The questions deal largely with the professional in sports. Should he be allowed to compete with amateurs? Once a professional, should he always remain a professional? Another question deals with the economic status of athletics.

Distribution of the questionnaire came on the heels of statements by Ray Barbuti, Olympic 440-metre champion, although officials said the one had nothing to do with the other. Barbuti, suspended by the A. A. U. recently after criticism of amateur conditions, charged in the April number of Sportsmanship (a magazine published by the Sportsmanship Brotherhood) that amateur athletics often are paid by promoters. The payments are arranged through intermediaries, he said, and paid in cash. Payments run as high as $500, he declared. He asked a thorough investigation and remedial measures. Later, however, he refused to give names and dates.

Said he: "There is a smelly situation here. Some one with courage has to face the music and clean house. . . . I'm not going to mention names of my friends in this. I showed them the smoke. It's up to the A. A. U. to find the fire."