> Definitely agree it's political maneuvering. However, > there is little PR value for the powers-that-be at the > IAAF and IOC to take down the Botswanas and Myanmars > of the world. That's where their power base lies - in > smaller, developing countries. Better to take down the > arrogant US of A to make a statement so they can build > up more support to continue their cushy, all-expenses > paid, blue blazer-wearing lifestyles.
It's not just the Botswanas and the Myanmars of the world. I don't have enough specific knowledge to cite countries but there are countries that regular win WC and OG track & field medals who's testing programs are completely unacceptable. But certainly it is largely a PR thing. > With that said, USATF still needs to get its act in gear. Right now it's all empty talk and posturing. As far as I know, USATF has not had a problem since USADA took over the testing. Should they release the names of the one or more athletes from before that who's names have still not been given to the IAAF? Perhaps. But they would be opening themselves to years of litigation, because their rules at the time prohibited them from divulging the names of those who were later exonerated. If you're Craig Masback and you're faced with the choice between looking like you are covering up (very damaging to the image of the organization) or risking financial ruin, what are you going to do? It's certainly not an easy choice. Perhaps if the USOC and the IAAF were willing to agree to pay for any legal costs arising from the release of the names, it might make sense. And let's not forget, the rule about keeping the names secret - the one that triggered the USOC threat to suspend USATF (among other things)? In the 1990's, the USOC required USATF to put that rule in their drug testing procedures. It's essentially a USOC rule!! And now they're telling USATF not to follow the rule that they ordered USATF to pass. Craig must have more patience than I do. I don't know how I'd deal with the obnoxious,whining morons who are responsible for this situation without machine gunning the lot of them. Personally, I'd love to see the name of the athletes who tested positive. I think it would be good for the sport to make as much as possible public. But I don't see why USATF should be forced to face bankrupting legal threats just so the IAAF and the USOC can be seen as "doing something" about drugs. If they really want to do something about drugs, all it will take is a lot of money - I think bi-weekly testing of all athletes in the world top 25 would be a good start. - Ed Parrot
