It's unfortunate E.M. Swift doesn't write more for SI.com, because he nailed it twice with his columns on the unfortunate gymnastics controversy that has started to cloud the games and taken attention away from some great achievements like U.S. men's 400-meter sweep.

First, he helps to validate Paul Hamm's gold medal by further explaining the sometimes arcane judging rules. Plus, he mentions the start value issues with the U.S. team that eventually led to Blaine Wilson crashing off the high bar.

Today, he takes everyone to task for this year's games. The level of gymnastics was so-so, the judging was suspect, the international organizations have hung out Hamm to dry, the media coverage was deplorable. And while he doesn't call her out by name, Swift does take Christine Brennan to task for suggesting Paul Hamm should give up his gold medal primarily because the U.S. is so hated around the world.

"Brilliant. Let's blame a gymnast for the decline of America's stature in the world."

It seems like any competition whose results are primarily determined by judging has come under fire lately (except diving, you're next). And unfortunately, it's two of the highest profile events that are getting tarnished by the whole thing (gymnastics and figure skating). I guess when you're constantly making it a gigantic dramatic production to begin with, the drama will continue beyond the actual competition. Is Aaron Sorkin or David E. Kelley somewhere in the background writing these twists?