12/21/24
August 23, 2006
Gatlin is handed Eight Year Ban: Another one bites the dust. At least this time the athlete in question has stopped denying he was doping and agreed to help do what he can to eliminate doping in track and field, even if it does come in the form of a "plea bargain" worthy of Jack McCoy on Law and Order. I would tend to take his mea culpa seriously as this pretty much ends his career. I'm not above accepting an "I'm sorry", even if was offered after he was caught.
posted by commander cody to other at 12:35 AM - 19 comments
I would tend to take his mea culpa seriously as this pretty much ends his career. I wouldn't take it as that, even a little bit. From the article: "We're shooting for something way less than two years," said Gatlin's lawyer Cameron Myler. "The goal is to have him back on the track as soon as possible." IOW, he admitted it and got an eight-year suspension, but he can appeal and clearly intends to do so -- and he's cooperating (read: singing like a canary) in the hope of leniency. Oh, wait, sorry...that was "co-operate in the effort to eradicate drugs from sport". Yeah, that's it. IOW, this isn't refreshing honesty, it's a smelly partial truth. It may have the upside of breaking whatever wall of silence there is in track and field, which makes it a lot harder to cheat...but don't be kidding yourselves that this is a rush of ethics to the heart, here.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:18 AM on August 23, 2006
This guy reminds me of Carl Lewis. He spent the majority of his career admonishing the dopers who got caught and painting himself as some kind of beacon of cleanliness. I remember him being inteviewed after his gold medal run at the Olympics about "how it felt to be a clean champion." These guys are ruining my favorite once-every-four-years dealy. And USATF has got to start heading this shit off at the pass. They look like they should be operating in a banana republic for all the embarassment they've caused. I mean, come on, get your shit together here people.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:50 AM on August 23, 2006
USADA is trying to get Trevor Graham out of the sport. He is a huge taint on the game. If giving Gatlin this deal is what it takes for that to happen, that isn't a bad deal at all. Gatlin's first offense was as minor as they come, with him taking a drug for his ADD. Maybe I am a sucker, but I could be convinced that Graham slipped Gatlin something illegal without Gatlin knowing it.
posted by bperk at 09:04 AM on August 23, 2006
What an embarassment. Slipping the illegal shit? Maybe the tooth fairy did it.
posted by T$PORT4lawschool at 09:31 AM on August 23, 2006
Steriod users are getting on my nerves. Why can't people start playing there sport without cheating. They just wont everone to think there the best, but when the cheat.... everyone starts to hate them. Sports players need to stop doping or this is how its gonna be for the rest of sporting.
posted by forshizzle992 at 09:38 AM on August 23, 2006
Dead on, l_b_b. Remember, it's still possible for the IAAF to push for the lifetime ban. He took a plea deal in order to "cooperate". It makes him appear reasonable, gets the story out of the sports pages quicker (learned not to pull a "Landis"), and maxes out his suspension at 8 years. This allows him to play the good boy, and still whittle down that pesky suspension through appeals and good behavior.
posted by ctal1999 at 09:47 AM on August 23, 2006
I can't help it l_b_b, I'm a "Always give a guy a 2nd chance" sort of person. To me this is his 2nd chance and until he screws it up I have to take him at his word. Of course if he slaps the other cheek, as it were, then he can burn in my book.
posted by commander cody at 11:26 AM on August 23, 2006
Justin Gatlin, welcome to the National Football League!!!
posted by frankiem at 11:37 AM on August 23, 2006
It would actually be something like a third chance, commander c. But my point really had nothing to do with the giving of multiple chances; it was simply an observation that there are possible motives for Gatlin's "confession" other than a sincere belief that he's done wrong and a desire to atone and "eradicate drugs from sport".
posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:23 PM on August 23, 2006
Weedy, blame the USATF all you want, but Americans expect to win the most medals at every summer games, especially when it comes to running fast.
posted by garfield at 12:24 PM on August 23, 2006
Yes Garf, but that's not special. Every country thinks this way. But USATF has shielded test results from national competitions where Olympic medal favorites have shown PE use. They have delayed releasing results until more favorable times and have been actively protecting abusers and making sure those shiny medals come home. Really, they're no better than East Germany circa 1976. Fuckers
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 12:38 PM on August 23, 2006
I am confused. He is admitting to using steroids based on what someone else told him. He allegedly never "knowingly" took steroids. The article clearly stated that the coach says a trainer rubbed him down with a testosterone cream WITHOUT his knowledge. The blame, in my opinion lays on the couch. How can you blame the athlete if he didn't know the cream was tainted. I don't know, I am probably way out in left field. If you disagree, and I'm sure you will, be nice.
posted by Psycho at 01:02 PM on August 23, 2006
Gatlin is admitting that he legitimately tested positive for steroids, but he is claiming that he has no idea how that happened. The coach is claiming it was a vengeful massage therapist, but Gatlin has never repeated that story.
posted by bperk at 01:13 PM on August 23, 2006
The blame, in my opinion lays on the couch. /gets up off couch, sits in recliner
posted by MrFrisby at 01:13 PM on August 23, 2006
Do they? Do they really? But I'm in 100% agreement with condemning USATF's actions. I'm surprised by their permitted level of influence by international bodies. Maybe not surpised. More disappointed. Oh those Olympic Ideals, why have you forsaken....nevermind. I've learned the 'ideal' lesson already.
posted by garfield at 01:18 PM on August 23, 2006
I see your point l_b_b. I guess I'm just a sucker for a confession. Besides he still might get a lifetime ban so he is still sort of rolling the dice somewhat, loaded as they may be. /glancing at my dogs curled up on the couch and wondering if they caused this?
posted by commander cody at 01:19 PM on August 23, 2006
it was a vengeful massage therapist damned vengeful massage therapists...
posted by JohnSFO at 03:20 PM on August 23, 2006
I for one welcomee our new vengeful massage therapist overlords.
posted by JJ at 04:03 PM on August 23, 2006
I think that's what pisses me off with this steroid nonsense more than anything else. The fact that, when busted for it, the drug abuser doesn't apologize! I mean really, would Bonds be so utterly reviled if he put his hands up and said "Sorry, but I'm clean now"... Or Big Mac coughing to his abuses. Can we ever return to trusting athletic accomplishment?