I am no fan of drug cheats. Zero doping . Zero tolerance.
But theres the rub. The rules must be the rules whoever you are. Whether you come from spain, UK or colombia, the doping rules must be the same.
And there is the problem. To the disgrace of himself, and all associated with him Dwain Chambers cheated. No doubt about it, and was not as contrite as he should have been.
A ban is a ban, is a ban. If the rule says Two years is the penalty. Two years must be imposed. Not a day less. Not a day more, and there it must end.
Can it be right that only because he lives in the UK Dwain Chambers will be prevented from olympic competition. Or that he is excluded from Golden League?
Whatever the rule is, it must be the same for everyone. If EVERYBODY is excluded from olympic competition, so must dwain. Or all must be allowed to compete. The sport must choose. But it cannot depend on where you live – and it cannot be arbitrary either.
This arbitrary power of the BOA is a throwback, to the days of “gentlemen in blazers” controlling sport. It must now be professional. Have rules. And stick to them. Regardless of who you are or where you come from. If you are danish or spanish or english, it must be the same tests, The same ban. The same right to compete.
It is a completely separate issue whether we have a lifetime ban. If we do – it must be for all. Not just Dwain.