Cricket has “laws” rather than rules, the terminology reflecting the 18th century when the game was codified. In order for a batter to be given “out”, two things must happen: the fielding side must appeal; and the umpire must give the batter out.
In principle then, a batter can be cleanly bowled, stumps and bails strewn all over the place. But if the fielders simply pick up the wreckage and reassemble the wicket, play continues – whatever the umpire might think. It is also possible that they appeal, but the umpire smiles, hands in pocket. The captain of the fielding team can even be invited to withdraw an appeal.
We find ourselves in such a position in the USA. The president has accepted a massive bribe from Qatar. A Boeing 747, laden with bling and listening devices, an estimated value of $400m. The constitution is clear on this point – it explicitly mentions bribery (alongside treason) as grounds for impeachment.
The president himself doesn’t know if he is supposed to uphold the constitution. The Republicans in Congress won’t express an opinion on the matter either – they are too busy inventing pseudo-legalistic sophistry to excuse this blatant corruption. They will do nothing. Should it reach the Supreme Court, they will slice and dice the question, before dismissing it.
I have criticised the US constitution as being no longer fit for its purpose. However, when all responsible people ignore every rule, law and limitation, no imaginable constitution can compensate. Game Over.