We have long campaigned on this site for a level playing field between all sportspeople.
We hate drug cheats with a passion, but judgement must be consistent.
If the penalty for doping says 2 years for the first offense, it surely must mean two years.
- It should not mean two years extended indefinitely to five, as it seems to have been for dwain chambers, who is still barred from competing.
- It should not mean 21 months as a matter of convenience , as it has for Leshawn Merritt – welcomed back into competition.
- It should certainly not mean “no further action” as it appears to have done for Alberto Contador, with hearings deferred indefinitely.
How can the public have confidence faced with such abitrary decisions as these? Those in authority, you are becoming a laughing stock.
We really are facing the prospect of Leshawn Merritt competing in London where Dwain Chambers will be refused. That cannot be right.
