I tend to disagree with people who think the media have blown his death out of proportion on the basis that he wasn't the best 'role model'. The media doesn't care if you were a good person, the media cares if you have a good story. George Best had the very best of stories: a tragic hero god blessed with not only a talent on the field that transcended club and country rivalries, but also good looks and charm off it to waltz from the bed of one Miss World to another's- all the while battling his inner demons. His trade was football, but his life was that of a rock star. The sheer enormity of his presence on and off the field made him as much of an icon of the 60s to the footballing world as The Beatles or Woodstock. Just as the world had mourned the death of John Lennon and George Harrison, the footballing world mourned the death of Georgie Best. Not so surprising really.
As for all those who'd pass judgment on the recently deceased, give the guy a break for god's sake. It needs to be acknowledged that alcoholism is a disease, and George Best probably did his best to fight it. In the end, his will power wasn't enough, but nevertheless on the hour of his pass he doesn't deserve such crucifixion.
