MOSCOW, Sep 12 Deputy Head of the Sports Committee Sergey Burlakov («United Russia «) called vile the persecution of athletes, including for moving to other teams in «such a difficult time for the country.» Former president of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) Vladimir Drachev called the possible transfer of Russian Daria Virolainen to the Finnish national team a betrayal, the deputy said. I see no reason to blame athletes, wash their bones, call them traitors. Note that we Russians, unlike Europeans, rarely get into scandals related to the harassment of athletes. It would be meanness on our part to resort to harassment at such a difficult time for our country, «- Burlakov said. According to him, Russians should not discuss athletes, especially in open sources. «Now is the period when everyone makes their choice, arguing with conscience, ambitions, material interests. Time will judge everyone and reward it worthy,» the parliamentarian noted.
