Rooney’s honesty no crime

CONSIDERING what has happened this week, there is an irony in once again hearing about Wayne Rooney’s off-the-pitch misdemeanours.

The Zouma business has raised the debate about what should rank above what in the pecking order of footballers’ sins. For example, driving while drunk and endangering innocent human lives, or cat-kicking?

We know what the answer should be and we know what the court of public opinion has decided. But it is a spurious debate. It is whataboutery.

What is significant is the way Rooney (above) has addressed his failings, the way he realised he needed help during his career.

He has an Amazon documentary to sell, let’s not lose sight of that. But the way he has spoken about battling his demons has been compelling.

Rooney has shown a maturity many in the game probably thought when they followed his career in its formative years - was beyond him.

Just as he is showing a maturity in management that belies his rookie status. The job he is doing at Derby County is being slightly over-praised but is still a very, very decent one.

And if he does move to a Premier League club, they will be getting a manager going to places many, including himself at times, never thought he would get to.

TYSON FURY is teaming up with a well-known high street retailer to create his own range of frozen food.

Presumably, wild uncastrated boar will not feature.

THERE is a new spotlight on Red Bull’s dealings with race director Michael Masi towards the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“It’s not pretty for F1 at all,” says Martin Brundle.

Depends from what angle you are looking, I guess.

There has probably not been this much anticipation about the start of a new season – next month, in Bahrain – for a long, long time.

All publicity etc, etc.