Drinking Binges by British Soccer Star Blamed for Drop in Organ Donation

A British liver transplant surgeon has blamed the highlyl publicized resumption of drinking by soccer star and liver-transplant recipient George Best for a decline in organ donation in England.

"Sadly George Best has not proved himself to be a very good role model and his very high-profile drinking has made people lose faith in transplantation," Dr. Derek Manas said.

"For every George Best, there are hundreds of other living patients who appreciate what has been done for them, but it is the celebrity case that people get to hear about," Manas said.

Best, the former Manchester United star, had a liver transplant in July 2002, and the British press has since carried stories of new drinking binges.

Manas said that at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne, the consent rate by next-of-kin of potential organ donors has dropped from 70 per cent two years ago to a current 45 per cent.

Philip Hughes, Best's agent, said: "Everyone is entitled to their opinion. What the doctor has to realise is that George is an alcoholic which is a disease in itself."

Other Sources: Manchester Guardian, Times of London