Ah, sports. Such a fine (and thorough) distraction from the problems that are killing us. Go, DOJ! Rah-rah-rah! There are American war criminals walking around free enjoying their ill-gotten gains, African-American voters are being disenfranchised, but Russian athletes — excuse me, Russian AMATEUR athletes taking performance enhancing drugs is your priority and the NYT's top headline.
4
Doesn't the Department of Justice have anything better to do. Let's get after the criminals on Wall Street before we worry about a bunch of dopers. Or better yet, people who do real crimes.
5
Meanwhile the President is pardoning nonviolent drug offenders. Anyone else see the disconnect there?
2
Bet a lot of frequent flyer miles and expense account trips to exotic locations are racked up......geez, we aint got enough crime to investigate here?
8
The DOJ just makes ya proud to be an american, doesn't it?
5
Obviously this is just a means to up the ante so the IOC will deny Russian athletes entrance into the coming Olympic competition.
3
If Olympic sports and winning have become so important socially, financially, and psychologically that athletes have to cheat, then maybe we're better off without them. Remember when Olympic athletes were amateurs? Then, all of that changed because the big money interests entered the scene, claiming that professionals would put on a better show.
1
Let's spend millions of dollars investigating something no intelligent individual cares about, generate a 2246 page report that nobody reads and reach a meaningless conclusion. Great plan from a completely dysfunctional government run by self-serving elected automatons.
Well done America.
Well done America.
3
I cannot imagine what possible justification DOJ has for spending time and money on this. Can only be political, since there is no other advantage for us.
But what disturbs me more is the fact that the REAL steroids problem--the one which is REALLY threatening to us--is the fact that steroids use is increasing, especially among our youth. Despite the fact that the dangers of these drugs is well documented, the majority of high school students do not believe they are harmful. Focusing on how steroids can produce world famous winners will only encourage this view. So, instead of wasting resources on a problem which is really only a problem for elite athletes and their investors, why not ramp up an education campaign for youth right here at home.
But what disturbs me more is the fact that the REAL steroids problem--the one which is REALLY threatening to us--is the fact that steroids use is increasing, especially among our youth. Despite the fact that the dangers of these drugs is well documented, the majority of high school students do not believe they are harmful. Focusing on how steroids can produce world famous winners will only encourage this view. So, instead of wasting resources on a problem which is really only a problem for elite athletes and their investors, why not ramp up an education campaign for youth right here at home.
3
"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." ~ ALBERT EINSTEIN
The US' most conspicuous arrogance knows no limits!
What right does the the US Justice Department claim to posses to "investigate" state-sponsored doping by Russian athletes – what authority?
What if Russia decided to investigate police killings of unarmed young black men or mass shootings in the US, 83 to date this year alone?
Washington would be screaming bloody murder. "Intervention!!!"
" Cura te ipsum" / "Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever you have done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country." ~ LUKE 4:23
I would think this to be the province of the IOC and the Russian government, none of the US business. But Uncle Sam, as usual, has to go poking his snooty nose into everyone else's affairs, provoking and antagonizing anyone they don't like.
“America, just a nation of two hundred million used car salesmen with all the money we need to buy guns and no qualms about killing anybody else in the world who tries to make us uncomfortable.” ~ HUNTER THOMPSON
It's that Manifest Destiny/Policeman of the World/Exceptional Moral supremacy thing!
"We might have learned some humility. Yes, .... but one of the most basic lessons of international relations is a frustrating one: There are more problems than solutions. Governments, like doctors, should weigh the principle, “First, do no harm.”
~ NICHOLAS KRISTOF
On Iraq, Echoes of 2003
THE NEW YORK TIMES
June 18, 2014
The US' most conspicuous arrogance knows no limits!
What right does the the US Justice Department claim to posses to "investigate" state-sponsored doping by Russian athletes – what authority?
What if Russia decided to investigate police killings of unarmed young black men or mass shootings in the US, 83 to date this year alone?
Washington would be screaming bloody murder. "Intervention!!!"
" Cura te ipsum" / "Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever you have done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country." ~ LUKE 4:23
I would think this to be the province of the IOC and the Russian government, none of the US business. But Uncle Sam, as usual, has to go poking his snooty nose into everyone else's affairs, provoking and antagonizing anyone they don't like.
“America, just a nation of two hundred million used car salesmen with all the money we need to buy guns and no qualms about killing anybody else in the world who tries to make us uncomfortable.” ~ HUNTER THOMPSON
It's that Manifest Destiny/Policeman of the World/Exceptional Moral supremacy thing!
"We might have learned some humility. Yes, .... but one of the most basic lessons of international relations is a frustrating one: There are more problems than solutions. Governments, like doctors, should weigh the principle, “First, do no harm.”
~ NICHOLAS KRISTOF
On Iraq, Echoes of 2003
THE NEW YORK TIMES
June 18, 2014
7
Russia engaged in a public, open competition where US citizens devoted their lives (such as they may be) in order to prevail and be recognized among their peers. If the competition turns out to have been contrived for the convenience of Russian politicians, these athletes have been cheated. They have been robbed of the recognition that may have been due them for no other reason than the satisfaction of thieves. That's what underlies the right of the US or any other country that participated in the competition to seek redress.
With all the crime and terrorism out there, the Justice Department wants to investigate Russian Doping? What a colossal waste of resources. They should be ashamed of themselves.
And let's look at the things they don't look at:
1. Malfeasance by the governor of MI in the Flint water disaster.
2. All the leads on US entities in the Panama papers.
3. Anything involving really rich Wall Street guys who go back and forth between Treasury and the Street.
3. Connections in terrorist financing and the Saud family.
4. The use of US cluster bombs in Yemen.
5. The loss of US resources via Afghan government corruption.
And the list goes on...
And let's look at the things they don't look at:
1. Malfeasance by the governor of MI in the Flint water disaster.
2. All the leads on US entities in the Panama papers.
3. Anything involving really rich Wall Street guys who go back and forth between Treasury and the Street.
3. Connections in terrorist financing and the Saud family.
4. The use of US cluster bombs in Yemen.
5. The loss of US resources via Afghan government corruption.
And the list goes on...
7
I bet you weren't aware that the children of Flint MI had higher lead levels in their bodies 15 years that were nearly 3 times what they are today. But then, a leftist was MI governor back then.
I'm so mad that those millionaire athletes from that country I don't live in won that meaningless accolade in that event I didn't watch from that sport I don't care about.
I am outraged.
I am outraged.
5
Wait... They got that much time on their hands. How about reducing the number of guns on the streets of urban America; our young people are dying! Talk about "out of touch" Washington...
5
What a waste of US resources. Let the Olympic Committee ban Russia from competition in Brazil. Let a less politically conflicted country than the US press criminal charges.
What a distraction from the real bad guys who nearly bankrupted us in 2008.
What a distraction from the real bad guys who nearly bankrupted us in 2008.
4
The US should stay out of the Russian doping scandal. American involvement will only feed conspiracy theories, giving the Russian leadership cover to brush off the scandal and deepening the already pathological paranoia of the Russian people.
1
Another example of what a chronic, compulsive liar Putin's Russia is. Putin thinks westerners are too polite or weak to call him on it when he lies in their faces.
Russia is the only country involved in systemic doping? Give me a break.
It is time the U.S. examined its own athletes a little more closely.
It is time the U.S. examined its own athletes a little more closely.
4
Stunning. The (lack of ) Justice Dept. can't prosecute louis lerner for her illegal actions at irs, INCLUDING destroying evidence. They can't prosecute holder for international gun-running leading to the death of an America law enforcement officer and likely hundreds of mexicans. They can't seem to figure out what to do with clinton, who publicly admitted to perjury. But boy oh boy, they are ALL over all kinds of sports nonsense which has nearly no affect on the average American. What a disgusting display.
2
Why are we investigating Russian doping?
2
I have come to expect the doping and the cheating in professional sports. It is repugnant but when you look at some of the "athletes" involved it is not surprising.
The Olympic Games, and the athletes who perform in them, have been destroyed by governments trying to best each other on the world stage. I am old enough to remember the East German woman's swim team who looked and performed more like men thanks to all the testosterone they had been given. Things have only gotten worse as doping and corruption have made the Olympic Games something that should go the way of the dinosaurs.
The Olympic Games, and the athletes who perform in them, have been destroyed by governments trying to best each other on the world stage. I am old enough to remember the East German woman's swim team who looked and performed more like men thanks to all the testosterone they had been given. Things have only gotten worse as doping and corruption have made the Olympic Games something that should go the way of the dinosaurs.
1
This story ranks right up there in eing the most absurd of the year so far. First meddling in FIFA now this...what business is it of the US? Imagine if the Russians decided to investigate all malfeisance that US atheltes or, worse yet, politicians, are involved in? Would keep them husy for decades. Butt out of other peoples business !
4
The FBI can better spend it's unused funds on giving 24-hour protection for Dr. Rodchenkov (including testing his tea for polonium-210 before he drinks it).
1
Fabulous! the US has money to investigate Russian dopers. Isn't that the business of the Olympic committee? I don't remember Lance Armstrong being investigated.
11
The Times reports news about Russian Athletes and the comments are about bankers defrauding the public and causing great hardship forAmericans. I am proud to be among the people who actually care about this country. Let's not let the DOJ forget.
And maybe a bit more rigorous testing procedures on the field?
And maybe a bit more rigorous testing procedures on the field?
1
Can someone please explain to me why it's the US DoJ's business whether Russian athletes are doping or not in Russia? What are they going to do next? Investigate the US basketball team's loss to the USSR at the '72 Olympic Games? I guess Obama doesn't have the courage to challenge Putin militarily so he's going to sue him instead!
January 20, 2017 cannot come soon enough for me even if it is "The Donald" taking the oath.
January 20, 2017 cannot come soon enough for me even if it is "The Donald" taking the oath.
3
What a colossal waste of time and resources.
6
This has got to be a joke. The mess we are in and we're investigating something this ridiculous?
8
Political overreach, unlikely to accomplish much if anything. Why not go after the banks and other financial institutions that brought our economy to its knees in 2008 instead? Seriously.
7
This is a circus to distract us while real crimes go unpunished. Banksters, corporation dodging pension payments or going broke so they don't have to repair the damage they've caused, FIFA for crying out loud. Does anyone really care in the US that FIFA was corrupt? Or, noticing it, care?
The Russians had state sponsored doping, I'm sure our doping is corporation sponsored. Not worth the time and effort, but it's a safe prosecution.
Send in the clowns.
The Russians had state sponsored doping, I'm sure our doping is corporation sponsored. Not worth the time and effort, but it's a safe prosecution.
Send in the clowns.
6
How happens that is not aSwedish or Denmark or Norvege institution which feels the need of an inquiry and is US considered more corrupted than Scandinavian countries.For the people who think this will make US more corrupted and more ridicule.
3
The Obama administration is opposed to pursuing legal action against the Saudi's with respect to 9/11 but the U.S. Justice Department thinks this matter is fair game. Both are fools errands and will accomplish nothing except the real likelihood of unintended consequences in the form or retaliation.
6
With all the problems we have at home and elsewhere and issues we have about reducing government spending, size, and scope, does this make any sense? Moreover, most non-US people will see this as another example of the US sticking its nose into places where it does not belong. The Russians certainly will see it that way and more.
Mr. Obama and his new attorney general must not have enough to do. First it was the FIFA indictments, then the bathroom edict, and now the doping at the Sochi Olympic Games in Russia. Let the IOC handle doping at its games, and, if the IOC needs help, they can ask for it. Then, we can decide it if makes sense for the US to get involved and to what extent.
We did not elect Mr. Obama to be the world's policeman. We elected him to be president of the US. He needs to understand that, and he apparently does not.
Mr. Obama and his new attorney general must not have enough to do. First it was the FIFA indictments, then the bathroom edict, and now the doping at the Sochi Olympic Games in Russia. Let the IOC handle doping at its games, and, if the IOC needs help, they can ask for it. Then, we can decide it if makes sense for the US to get involved and to what extent.
We did not elect Mr. Obama to be the world's policeman. We elected him to be president of the US. He needs to understand that, and he apparently does not.
5
What a colossal wasted for time, money, energy, and resources.
4
And let's hope Putin investigates the Wall Street investment bankers who brought down the global economy, wrecking millions of lives, and make some arrests since Obama lacked the will to do it. I swear, the list of Obama's bad decisions gets longer and longer. At least I voted Green Party against him, you can't blame me.
6
"Federal courts have allowed prosecutors to bring cases against foreigners living abroad if there is some connection to the United States. That connection can be limited, such as the use of an American bank."
Seriously? So, what's the connection here? Both members of the UN? Both countries on Earth? This is more than a stretch of jurisdiction.
Seriously? So, what's the connection here? Both members of the UN? Both countries on Earth? This is more than a stretch of jurisdiction.
4
How true!
Even if the Federal Courts were to grant jurisdiction, and I frankly do not see the nexus that would be required to obtain same, how would the court obtain personal contact with the "defendants"?
Even if the Federal Courts were to grant jurisdiction, and I frankly do not see the nexus that would be required to obtain same, how would the court obtain personal contact with the "defendants"?
The justice department under Obama investigates every thing that no one gives a hoot about. It's the easy way out. Distract the public with what only less than 1% of the population cares about, and then claim victory. This administration is living up to its promise of transparency, you can see right through it.
1
It would be interesting to look into the famous U.S. track team of Mexico City way back in 1968 that won so many gold medals. The U.S. track team doctor, H. Kay Dooley, was an outspoken advocate of steroids use:
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1971/10/24/page/29/article/drugs-in-s...
http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1971/10/24/page/29/article/drugs-in-s...
1
The Russians (and former Soviets) cheat. This is not news and they will not stop no matter what the DOJ digs up. No one takes Russian wins in international sports seriously anyway. The takeaway there is the real shame in this - genuinely gifted and hard-working Russian athletes are assumed to be cheaters.
Now, can we please spend our tax dollars on something that really matters?
Now, can we please spend our tax dollars on something that really matters?
2
The ultimate lesson of this latest fiasco should be for the sponsors who ultimately fund the Olympics. This doping scandal is just one more blotch on the Olympics which diminishes interest in them. I no longer watch many of the events as the whole movement has become too commercialized and overly political. When you lose faith in whether the competition is being held on an even playing field the events lose their value. Your advertising dollars can be better spent elsewhere. Our Justice Department also needs to reassess its priorities.
1
Who. Cares? I grew up hearing "Cheaters never prosper." Now it's "The best cheater will win and then there will be a scandal and an investigation"." All the doping and cheating in U.S. sports has created zero interest in watching any "professional sports" and no interest in the Olympics. I applaud athletes who, out of sheer love of their sport, revel in their hard fought physical prowess. For them participation will need to be enough because competition now and forever will be suspect as long as the incessant sub-plot is "catch cheaters and dopers if you can." We are better than this but someone with the authority to do so has clearly decided to spend our resources to try and prove something completely insignificant in the scheme of things. To them I say "Go get a gym membership and use it."
2
I think it is very simple: If there has been drug use among any athletes, dealing with it falls in the realm of the sport authorities, national and international. The US DOJ stepping into it is the most arrogant overreach and will be viewed overseas as another action of the perceived bully US; we have no business in going into other countries, investigating and prosecuting foreign nationals, unless the broke laws of the United States.
Overall I see this as preposterous: The DOJ did not prosecute a single US banker for the financial meltdown of 2008 but seeks to prosecute Russian athletes?
This reeks of Russophobia and propaganda and it is an insult to common sense.
Overall I see this as preposterous: The DOJ did not prosecute a single US banker for the financial meltdown of 2008 but seeks to prosecute Russian athletes?
This reeks of Russophobia and propaganda and it is an insult to common sense.
2
Back in 2004, The Bush Administration was hot to create a Texification of the Justice Department. Alberto Gonzalez was forced to resign, as we all know, because he hired Republican to serve as U.S. attorneys exclusively. Big time No No. Try and tell that to today's enablers who think no corruption or violation of Constitutional rights is too low to recreate to their interpretation.
One of the cute little tricks the Republicans always use is to defund programs and departments of government they want to dissolve completely. They do this quite craftily by defunding and then slashing and burning until nothing remains. Cute little trick with one exception. That funding is not their money to play with. They take their marching orders from taxpayers and, not just taxpayers in Mutton Chops and Corn Pone states, either.
The DOJ should be investigating the massive fraud perpetrated not just by dopers and the banking industry, the single biggest fraudulent business in the US today is Big Insurance. They have a lock hold on every single Americans income.
The Justice Dept. can only investigate when it is fully and comprehensively staffed. Not when it has been badly defunded by Republicans who know doing so makes the DOJ less effective.
One of the cute little tricks the Republicans always use is to defund programs and departments of government they want to dissolve completely. They do this quite craftily by defunding and then slashing and burning until nothing remains. Cute little trick with one exception. That funding is not their money to play with. They take their marching orders from taxpayers and, not just taxpayers in Mutton Chops and Corn Pone states, either.
The DOJ should be investigating the massive fraud perpetrated not just by dopers and the banking industry, the single biggest fraudulent business in the US today is Big Insurance. They have a lock hold on every single Americans income.
The Justice Dept. can only investigate when it is fully and comprehensively staffed. Not when it has been badly defunded by Republicans who know doing so makes the DOJ less effective.
My first thought was this is stupid that we stick our noses into this. Then, I realize that FIFA is Corrupt. The IOC is certainly Corrupt. The last IAAF President Lamine Diack is corrupt, and it seems WADA in Sochi was duped by a simple bait and switch routine. Does the USA just stand by and watch? NO
US DoJ should better investigate its domestic problems - which are plenty like police violence and murders for starters - rather then investigating overseas alleged criminal behavior where NOBODY got killed either. In contrast to US policemen killing mostly innocent teenagers and sometimes even Vietnam Veterans. These are serious criminal acts.
US having brought attention about possible mishaps in Russian antidoping agency is sufficient and brought this to the Russian authorities having Russian athletes banned from the forthcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro can only be seen as another Washington scheme to attack Russia.
USA is supposedly policing this world, but Washington is the worst violator of HR as we can see every day on American streets, Guantanamo Bay or the abuse of prisoners by US soldiers in Iraq, etc. Besides US is NOT a member of UN International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague and therefore believes it's violations of international laws and the Geneva Convention are acceptable. They're not and therefore US DoJ has NO JUSTIFICATION to investigate alleged foreign violations like in this case the alleged doping by Russian athletes.
This is only another attempt by Washington to demonize Russia while many other countries incl. USA (Atlanta Summer Olympics) are tolerating doping as long as it doesn't come to the OPEN.
US having brought attention about possible mishaps in Russian antidoping agency is sufficient and brought this to the Russian authorities having Russian athletes banned from the forthcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro can only be seen as another Washington scheme to attack Russia.
USA is supposedly policing this world, but Washington is the worst violator of HR as we can see every day on American streets, Guantanamo Bay or the abuse of prisoners by US soldiers in Iraq, etc. Besides US is NOT a member of UN International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague and therefore believes it's violations of international laws and the Geneva Convention are acceptable. They're not and therefore US DoJ has NO JUSTIFICATION to investigate alleged foreign violations like in this case the alleged doping by Russian athletes.
This is only another attempt by Washington to demonize Russia while many other countries incl. USA (Atlanta Summer Olympics) are tolerating doping as long as it doesn't come to the OPEN.
2
Gimme a break. Next thing you know, the DOJ will be going after Muscovites with overdue parking tickets. Or more likely, a criminal investigation will be opened every time two hockey players square off in a fight. Or when a late hit takes a quarterback out of the game. Or when a major league pitchers deliberately throws at the head of an opposing hitter.
3
We need an investigation on waste of taxpayer money on this investigation and prosecution. Not that I have sympathy for Putin and his apparatchiks, but honestly, I'm more annoyed by ours.
3
What a joke; the U.S. has more cases of sports doping than any other in the world. How many cases do we have every day of the athletes caught in drugging activities? More than other nations by far; the holier than thou nonsense of the U.S. should make us all aware that we have double standards for everything: we are never wrong and other nations are never right. What utter nonsense.
3
Apropos the news report ('' Justice Department Opens Investigation Into State-Sponsored Doping by Dozens of Russia's Top Athletes'' by Rebecca R.Ruiz May 17,2016), it reflects the appalling conditions of the sports field which is fraught with corruptions galore. The main accused Dr. Rodchenkov and the chemist as a linchpin have to be grilled for alleged nexus by the investigating agencies and if found guilty, ought to be awarded a maximum punishment serving as a warning for future offenders. This report is reminiscent of what Hitler did in Germany's winter Olympics. He spitefully declared that only his men were superior race ( Nordic race) and so all other participants of nations were inferior. But to his shock and dismay, Luz Long of Germany offered tips to J.C.Owns, the Black American ( Only representative for Long Jump event) which made Owens break Luz record and create a new record the next day. Despite the angry glare of Hitler, Luz shook hands with Owens and congratulated him on his feat proving Sports stand above all racial discrimination.Now that the doping issue has surfaced drawing the international attention, the media has an onerous responsibility to inform the readers about the developments in this case. One is sure that with the FBI stepping into the dope scandal, the justice department with the cooperation of the Russian government would serve justice. 'Long live The New York Times' for its excellent coverage of the scandal!
E.S.Chandrasekaran, Chennai, India
E.S.Chandrasekaran, Chennai, India
We have just learned that a urine sample can be as easily manipulated as an S&P AAA stamped CDO. Both examples of human waste passed off as genuine articles in a present day world where facts are as useless as mammary glands on a boar hog.
I'd rather have had the DOJ use its resources to have gone after the top executives in the banking industry that collapsed the world economy which William K. Black has stated will go down as the biggest failure in the DOJ's history; or investigate authorization of the use of torture from the highest echelons in both civilian and military lines of command.
14
Exactly!
1
I am at best ambivalent about this case. If there was doping/cheating in games played on our soil, it is, I suppose, legitimate. However, there are many more pressing matters on which the various American arms of justice ought to be working. Although Russia gets its back up and raises its persecution complex (for the benefit of its public, which is well schooled in 'the world is against mother Russia' mindset), these charges, which may very well go nowhere, further roil an already difficult international relationship. If, indeed, charges will be brought against Russian athletes and officials, who will never set foot on our soil to face those charges, we gain little (although those bringing the charges get to look tough and get lots of press).
10
Would you see in this DoJ action any reason for a "persecution complex"?
It could be seen that way, if the intention is, once again, to guarantee a better status for US athletics on the score sheet through getting rid of Russia. But have you ever thought of it that "no country at war shall partake in these Games of Peace" - and that the USA should, consequently, have been refused access to all Olympiades since 1945?
It could be seen that way, if the intention is, once again, to guarantee a better status for US athletics on the score sheet through getting rid of Russia. But have you ever thought of it that "no country at war shall partake in these Games of Peace" - and that the USA should, consequently, have been refused access to all Olympiades since 1945?
Using the justice system for political purposes ultimately demeans both justice and the system.
22
This will be one of the last gasps for the US as the world's policeman. We are morally bankrupt. The world is getting tired of this, while we can't even tend to our own knitting.
Thank God there are other countries in the world than ours.
Thank God there are other countries in the world than ours.
18
Maybe the DoJ can investigate how the referee missed that obvious traveling by Russell Westbrook last night that occurred late in the game right in front of the ref? Not going after the banksters or mortgage fraudistas but if they're investigating infractions like the Russians doping - I'm shocked, shocked, that Russians are doping - they might as well check out the reffing in the NBA and NHL.
17
Ha! Made my day, or at least try morning.
I think the Justice Department found a rainy day fund left over from Nixon/Agnew and figured why not spend it and the accrued interest over
40 years.
No one will know the difference is their reasoning.
40 years.
No one will know the difference is their reasoning.
4
I can only hope that with this action bobsledding is returned to its purest form.
3
I think what we all want to know is, will Russia be barred from the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympics?
2
That's te intention.
No actually we aren't.
That's all it's meant for.
Just waiting for the US to go after the banksters....
25
Why in the world would our Justice Department spend US taxpayer money to investigate foreigners who allegedly did something wrong on foreign soil? I feel robbed.
9
Most of the commentators here mix internal and foreign policies issue (like "why bother investigate international abuses, while we have problems at home?"). One does not negate the other.
These types of commentators also underestimate "the soft power" - if a foreign government is proven to be corrupt in sports issues, why would anyone trust it in more serious matters?
They also underestimate the nationalistic power of sports medals - this is the best propaganda point for authoritarian regimes. If these medals are bogus, that is huge blow to the regimes.
These types of commentators also underestimate "the soft power" - if a foreign government is proven to be corrupt in sports issues, why would anyone trust it in more serious matters?
They also underestimate the nationalistic power of sports medals - this is the best propaganda point for authoritarian regimes. If these medals are bogus, that is huge blow to the regimes.
12
what an utter and complete waste of taxpayer money. no wall st crooks get to wear stripes other than pinstripes, the cops play shooting gallery on a daily basis if you black and prob a crook, big pharma and the prison industrial complex buy congressmen like the penny candy they are (but its really our "free speech") and saudi govt agents roam the streets with an impunity coddling terrorists but these full-of-themselves prosecutor/lawyer types are so full of themselves (aided by the propagandists) they waste time and money going after a crime that was committed in russia. oh I'm sure Putin will willingly extradite whoever the big bad prosecutor wants handed over -all he has to do is call a press conference and we'll rid the the world of 0.01% of the doping that goes on in major sports.
are the ruskies dirty? what was it again that a (russian) bear does in the woods?? oh yea he shoots up stanozanol and dianabol, breaks into p jars and lies about it. again. if I could only grow a beard like some of the eastern european women, I'd be tickled.
are the ruskies dirty? what was it again that a (russian) bear does in the woods?? oh yea he shoots up stanozanol and dianabol, breaks into p jars and lies about it. again. if I could only grow a beard like some of the eastern european women, I'd be tickled.
6
I'll echo the other commenters - why are we doing this? What resources will be spent on this effort? I work for a government agency and we are downsizing significantly and re-prioritizing all of our work. Maybe I should try to get a job at the cushy DOJ since they seem to have FTE to throw around.
17
Time out.
The Justice Department is willing to chase after Russian dopers at the drop of a hat, but can't "follow the money" and bring down the greatest mortgage backed security fraudsters who are hiding in plain sight?
Ridiculous!
The Justice Department is willing to chase after Russian dopers at the drop of a hat, but can't "follow the money" and bring down the greatest mortgage backed security fraudsters who are hiding in plain sight?
Ridiculous!
33
why do we need to stick our nose on everything this is why the world hates American. who cares
10
Maybe because doped results destroy the potential earnings of the clean athletes and ruin the fundraising for sports' governing bodies.
The dopers skew the results and ruin sports...
And, yes, we should dope test the NFL, MLB, NBA, and the NHL. How clean is MMA?
The dopers skew the results and ruin sports...
And, yes, we should dope test the NFL, MLB, NBA, and the NHL. How clean is MMA?
2
You may be right, Todd, but it isn't a federal case.
Consider what would happen if Mr. Trump were elected president. His claims of "you'll get tired of winning" will likely result in something very similar to this. The likelihood is there was state sanctioned doping by the Russian athletes because similar to Mr. Trump's view of his nation, Mr. Putin wants to show his country wins (no matter the cost).
Funny but if our nation can manage to remain honest in sports, it need not win medals to be great. No doubt this is an idea that would elude Mr. Trump.
Funny but if our nation can manage to remain honest in sports, it need not win medals to be great. No doubt this is an idea that would elude Mr. Trump.
5
This sounds like a complete wast of taxpayer money. Why isn't a sport governing body handling this? US attorneys can't look for tax cheats or hackers or something?
16
is the justice department of the US attempting to become that of the world? was that a part of the TAFTA?
8
Doping by Russian athletes was state-sponsored as opposed to individual cheating for instance by Lance Armstrong. The US Justice Department by opening an investigation, is making sure that the state-sponsored doping in Russia is not just swept under the carpet by IOC officials simply because it is a significantly sized and powerful nation which might consider itself above the law.
11
Maybe they will 'open an investigation' just to make a point, but not actually do any investigating. That doesn't make any sense either.
What arrogant, asinine Russophobia. The USA is no moral exemplar for the world.
19
Really? Now, this is overreacting by every metric possible.
We have issues here that begs to be addressed, like; police misconduct, mass incarceration, you know, the whole inequity and social injustice thing.
We have issues here that begs to be addressed, like; police misconduct, mass incarceration, you know, the whole inequity and social injustice thing.
14
The only people upset are the cheaters. If crimes were committed under the jurisdiction of US law, this is the proper response.
2
All the Russian athletes in the years in question should have their medals vacated and the people behind them moved up in medal ranking where applicable. In addition, they should be completely barred from competing for at least three years. Any athletes who do not like this treatment should move to another country to compete.
4
Most people think the Olympic Games is about sport and world peace mixed with international politics. The truth is the Olympic Games is a business, a corrupt business. That's why I refuse to get bent out of shape by one more (massive) doping scandal. It's all about money and hype. And as we all know, "there's no business like show business."
8
Let's go way back and prosecute the East German women's swim team first. ok?
Why not? Apparently we've got nothing better to do. And maybe that Jamaican bobsled team needs to be drug tested too. Has anyone tested the show jumping horses? Snowboarders, definitely....stoked.
Why not? Apparently we've got nothing better to do. And maybe that Jamaican bobsled team needs to be drug tested too. Has anyone tested the show jumping horses? Snowboarders, definitely....stoked.
8
Another waste of taxpayer money. Democrats wonder why a lot of frustrated taxpayers oppose big and bigger government. Unfortunately, Republican party is the only place to go and geez what a mess on that side of the fence.
8
Whatever gain might be imagined from such action is far outweighed by the resulting hatred of the arrogance of the U.S. and its attempts to impose itself legally on the rest of the world, especially when it has such glaring flaws of its own.
10
I don’t care if athletes take PEDs. In today’s competitive world of sports with billions of dollars or rubles at stake why shouldn’t athletes find every edge possible?
How is this any different from these “amateur” athletes being paid VERY well--think of Michael Phelps swimming laps every day--to having personal nutritionists, trainers, personal chefs fixing training tables, or wind tunnels analyzing the most efficient way to run or hurdle or bike.
This NY Times had a special essay in the Sunday and Monday editions about a scientist, Yannis Pitsiladis, and his quest for a runner to run a sub 2 hour marathon. His “base camp” and laboratory was the Dead Sea--BELOW sea level where the air has more oxygen. He flies in Ethiopians and Kenyans, uses the latest expensive equipment to get that sub 2 by 2019.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/15/sports/two-hour-marathon-yannis-pitsil...
What an INCREDIBLE waste of money and time..to me. But there are billions to be made in sponsorships for Pitsiladis and these Russian athletes...and anyone else who is trying to be the best.
So I say--have at it! The ONLY reason that I felt that Lance Armstrong should have lost his seven Le Tour de France championships is that he used his position to pressure--well BULLY other riders--his domestiques--and threaten them with loss of jobs and money if they didn’t “go along.”
Because EVERYTHING that I have read and heard about Le Tour is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to win without PEDs!
How is this any different from these “amateur” athletes being paid VERY well--think of Michael Phelps swimming laps every day--to having personal nutritionists, trainers, personal chefs fixing training tables, or wind tunnels analyzing the most efficient way to run or hurdle or bike.
This NY Times had a special essay in the Sunday and Monday editions about a scientist, Yannis Pitsiladis, and his quest for a runner to run a sub 2 hour marathon. His “base camp” and laboratory was the Dead Sea--BELOW sea level where the air has more oxygen. He flies in Ethiopians and Kenyans, uses the latest expensive equipment to get that sub 2 by 2019.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/15/sports/two-hour-marathon-yannis-pitsil...
What an INCREDIBLE waste of money and time..to me. But there are billions to be made in sponsorships for Pitsiladis and these Russian athletes...and anyone else who is trying to be the best.
So I say--have at it! The ONLY reason that I felt that Lance Armstrong should have lost his seven Le Tour de France championships is that he used his position to pressure--well BULLY other riders--his domestiques--and threaten them with loss of jobs and money if they didn’t “go along.”
Because EVERYTHING that I have read and heard about Le Tour is that it is IMPOSSIBLE to win without PEDs!
1
@ Nuschler — Setting aside some dubious ethical conclusions you’re making, there’s an obvious flaw in your reasoning, in stating,
“it is IMPOSSIBLE to win [Le Tour] without PEDs!”
Taken literally, this has to mean that if a Tour de France were competed solely by cyclists who were genuinely clean of PEDs, then there would be no winner — because, I guess, no athlete would be able to finish.
That, of course, is absolute nonsense. The only cogent argument you might be able to make is, “It is impossible for a clean cyclist to win the Tour •against• competitors using PEDs.” That •may• be true — it depends on the quality of the athletes, and the level of doping, involved. It is a much more difficult issue (which won’t be resolved by the sort of bombast you offered), to assess whether the anti-doping measures in place today are sufficient to allow clean cyclists a chance at winning the Tour.
But in answer to whether a clean cyclist •has• won the Tour, there is at least one clear example. Before the onset of the modern wave of doping in the last quarter-century overwhelmed the sport’s enforcement resources, Greg LeMond won the Tour in 1986, 1989, and 1990 — doing so, by all accounts (and apparently beyond a whiff of suspicion from even his most hostile critics), absolutely clean, without any use of PEDs.
— Brian
“it is IMPOSSIBLE to win [Le Tour] without PEDs!”
Taken literally, this has to mean that if a Tour de France were competed solely by cyclists who were genuinely clean of PEDs, then there would be no winner — because, I guess, no athlete would be able to finish.
That, of course, is absolute nonsense. The only cogent argument you might be able to make is, “It is impossible for a clean cyclist to win the Tour •against• competitors using PEDs.” That •may• be true — it depends on the quality of the athletes, and the level of doping, involved. It is a much more difficult issue (which won’t be resolved by the sort of bombast you offered), to assess whether the anti-doping measures in place today are sufficient to allow clean cyclists a chance at winning the Tour.
But in answer to whether a clean cyclist •has• won the Tour, there is at least one clear example. Before the onset of the modern wave of doping in the last quarter-century overwhelmed the sport’s enforcement resources, Greg LeMond won the Tour in 1986, 1989, and 1990 — doing so, by all accounts (and apparently beyond a whiff of suspicion from even his most hostile critics), absolutely clean, without any use of PEDs.
— Brian
3
So the United States now presumes it has universal juristiction--the whole world falls under US law, despite the fact that 95% of the world's population had no say in creating the laws which are being unilaterally imposed on them.
Funny thing, in 2009 when Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón brought charges against 'The Bush Six' under actual UN sanctioned universal juristiction for the international crime of torture, the Obama used every plea, bribe, trick and threat to dissuade the Spanish proceding from going forward.
Those charges were for real crimes, the most henious crimes, which Spain (and all other nations) were obligated to bring (in the case where the violator nation refuses to act in further violation of international law; signatories to the antitorture treaty have no discretion not to prosecute--in this regard the US is a recidivist offender).
With shameless hypocrisy, the US asserts the authority to indict, extradite (or rendition, which is also an international crime), try, and punish any person anywhere on Earth for violation it's sports laws, and now it sets it sites on Russia. Might they try to indict Putin? Is the US trying to start a war with Russia?
Funny thing, in 2009 when Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón brought charges against 'The Bush Six' under actual UN sanctioned universal juristiction for the international crime of torture, the Obama used every plea, bribe, trick and threat to dissuade the Spanish proceding from going forward.
Those charges were for real crimes, the most henious crimes, which Spain (and all other nations) were obligated to bring (in the case where the violator nation refuses to act in further violation of international law; signatories to the antitorture treaty have no discretion not to prosecute--in this regard the US is a recidivist offender).
With shameless hypocrisy, the US asserts the authority to indict, extradite (or rendition, which is also an international crime), try, and punish any person anywhere on Earth for violation it's sports laws, and now it sets it sites on Russia. Might they try to indict Putin? Is the US trying to start a war with Russia?
12
Why is our Justice Dept involved with Russian Affairs? What gives?
19
Let sports be sports. With all the real corruption in America, this sounds like the usual gov't sleight of hand, hocus-pocus distraction. Give it a rest..
11
I want to remind the Justice Department that I'm still waiting for a response to my requests for an investigation into speeding motorists on my street and children stepping on my lawn when I explicitly told them NOT TO! I find this development with the Russians a good sign for my pending case.
23
@ keith — Your attempt at facetious humor might be more compelling if you raised pet peeves that were matters of •federal•, not •local•, law.
In crude terms, federal law enforcement is •designed• to deal with bigger fish than local law enforcement focuses on. There are reasons that the U.S. Department of Justice is more likely to address fraud involving big-time international sports, and the lucrative businesses associated with them, than it is to bother with, say, cheating in middle-school athletics in Montana — even if it could argue that there was some basis for federal jurisdiction.
Because all of that appears to be lost on you, your aspiration to satire here has fallen flat.
— Brian
In crude terms, federal law enforcement is •designed• to deal with bigger fish than local law enforcement focuses on. There are reasons that the U.S. Department of Justice is more likely to address fraud involving big-time international sports, and the lucrative businesses associated with them, than it is to bother with, say, cheating in middle-school athletics in Montana — even if it could argue that there was some basis for federal jurisdiction.
Because all of that appears to be lost on you, your aspiration to satire here has fallen flat.
— Brian
How about finishing the task of getting back all the millions in Postal Service money that went to Lance Armstrong?
14
T that would be good BTW did you know 1st class postage dropped 4 percent.
Doping by Eastern Bloc countries is as common as the sun rising in the morning and setting in the evening. I would much rather see an investigation and criminal prosecution of Russia's downing of MH17. Local rebels are not capable of operating a sophisticated surface-to-air missile system and Russian troops got away with murder.
4
What a waste of money and resources! Dubious jurisdiction and about zero percent chance of success. This whole mess should be dealt with by the IOC and other international sports organizations.
17
Although it’s fine that doping scandals are investigated, I think it should left to the IOC and WADA. It just adds more gasoline to the anti-American fire when the U.S. is investigating and prosecuting matters like this and FIFA.
International laws are ok, but national laws and should stay national only.
International laws are ok, but national laws and should stay national only.
26
Can we trust IOC and WADA for doing this job? In my opinion they are not impartial at all and even capable for hiding the truth for the media, in order to protect their own (financial) intrests. On the contrary, I think we should
be grateful that the US is doing what has to be done, to prosecute criminals
who behaved badly in the US.
be grateful that the US is doing what has to be done, to prosecute criminals
who behaved badly in the US.
There's little doubt Russia must be punished severely and their athletes banned entirely from all world-wide competitions - including the Rio Olympics - until President Vladimir V. Putin can satisfy the international sports groups it's cleaned up its act. Mr. Putin insistently denies wrong-doing and reverts to explain away claims as a plot by the Western countries to discredit his country. That is unadulterated nonsense. We are dealing with a power-hungry leader responsible for prolonging the Syrian crisis by vetoing all peace proposals presented to the United Nations Security Council during the early stages of that country's civil war. We are also dealing with a leader who denies any involvement in the deadly invasion of the Ukraine while evidence points to the contrary.
Of course the Russian government will deny it had no role in the alleged doping scandal of the Sochi Olympics. But Mr. Putin's track record speaks for itself. Russia is now awash with allegations of corruption involving billions of dollars, allegedly involving high-profile Russian officials. And the path always seems to lead to Mr. Putin.
It's been suggested the U.S. Justice Department has no business probing the doping scandal. On the contrary, it should be everybody's business - all countries competing in international sports. The spirit of the sport is lost when we have super-charged athletes exceeding their natural prowess pumped up on performance-enhancing drugs. Simply put, that's cheating.
Of course the Russian government will deny it had no role in the alleged doping scandal of the Sochi Olympics. But Mr. Putin's track record speaks for itself. Russia is now awash with allegations of corruption involving billions of dollars, allegedly involving high-profile Russian officials. And the path always seems to lead to Mr. Putin.
It's been suggested the U.S. Justice Department has no business probing the doping scandal. On the contrary, it should be everybody's business - all countries competing in international sports. The spirit of the sport is lost when we have super-charged athletes exceeding their natural prowess pumped up on performance-enhancing drugs. Simply put, that's cheating.
9
The U.S. might want to be careful pointing fingers, though. Remember Lance Armstrong? Remember Marion Jones? We're not squeaky clean either.
1
So the DOJ should use its allegedly limited resources to invested gate sports cheating but now war crimes, poisoning of our own water supply, the crashing of the economy and many others? This is nothing but a distraction and the media is buy if I to it. We'll have story after story about this investigation and no one will ask what's going on with TPP or the EPA or Flint or......
It's disgraceful.
It's disgraceful.
Yes, Russia cheats. It is their way. Let the private sports committees ban them from competition, as should be done. Keep our law enforcement focused on more important things than cheaters of games.
If the Justice Department is really going to make sports scandals a priority how about starting with the NCAA? There is enough corruption there for multiple teams of prosecution lawyers.
14
What on earth is our DOJ doing investigating Russian doping of their athletes? Don't they have bankers and fund managers to investigate? Polluters to prosecute? Hospitals who are refusing to treat women based on relgious beliefs rather than medical science? Is there nothing in the US of more importance? It's amazing how our government gets so tied up in athletes activities but pays no attention to war profiteers or massive frauds perpetrated on its citizens or abuses of the special visa programs. Really doping of Russia athletes is a priority?
Stop playing around and get to work!
Stop playing around and get to work!
31
I can't believe that sports are worth aggravating diplomatic tension.
9
The US Justice Department is indeed overloaded with critical issues like trying to arrest the Swiss FIFA soccer mafia for working out deals in the Middle East during the heat of summer, passing zillions of bucks from the richest bidder to its deputies (isn't that business), or trying to catch Sepp Blatter after his comment that female players must shorten their shorts, and now this. But the Department's priorities are exemplary and we will win; let's work this into our National Song "Happy Days Are Here Again."
1
Why is the government of the United States spending its time and our tax dollars on a Russian doping scandal? It must have something better to do with those resources.
8
Is this really what the Justice Department is using our time and money to investigate? How long will we continue to believe in the fairytale that PED usage isn't rampant in sports? Facts are that they have been so for a long time including on the U.S. side (take a peek at the Carl Lewis-USOC steroid cover-up of the 1980s), so not only is it a waste of resources, but a case of pot meeting kettle. In any case, I'm sure there are a lot more worthy causes to be investigated like oh say the reckless financial industry abuses?
28
A great deal of crime today crosses international borders. And countries are now cooperating to stop it. International sports doping or match fixing or illegal profiting through organizations like FIFA, the Olympics and so on cannot just be dealt with inside national borders. Same with off-shore money, hidden from taxes.
Our Justice Department was the organization that made the first FIFA arrests in Switzerland. And I don't recall an outcry when that happened.
This doping investigation is just beginning. Likely other nations will join in, as they did with FIFA.
Our world is shrinking. Sport takes place all over the globe. The Olympics is only months away.
As they used to teach us in kindergarten: Stop. Look. And listen. Before you cross the street:
Why is everybody reacting as if this problem of Olympic doping does not concern us all! We don't know who the 21 athletes are, who have already been banned, whose drug tests go back 8 years. And tests from 4 years ago have only just begun to be examined. This is only the beginning...
Loretta Lynch is already working with other governments on justice related issues. She's doing a fabulous job! Across a breadth of justice issues. Kudos!
Our Justice Department was the organization that made the first FIFA arrests in Switzerland. And I don't recall an outcry when that happened.
This doping investigation is just beginning. Likely other nations will join in, as they did with FIFA.
Our world is shrinking. Sport takes place all over the globe. The Olympics is only months away.
As they used to teach us in kindergarten: Stop. Look. And listen. Before you cross the street:
Why is everybody reacting as if this problem of Olympic doping does not concern us all! We don't know who the 21 athletes are, who have already been banned, whose drug tests go back 8 years. And tests from 4 years ago have only just begun to be examined. This is only the beginning...
Loretta Lynch is already working with other governments on justice related issues. She's doing a fabulous job! Across a breadth of justice issues. Kudos!
4
It's commendable that a fair government of reasonable people reaches across national boundaries to expose, shame and hopefully stop the sort of behavior exposed here. How and why does one then stop before attempting to judge the behavior of people in the Saudi Arabian government who may be guilty of far worse transgressions, involving blatantly criminal acts? Why is one case a danger to US interests and the other not?
9
If only Obama and the DOJ would pursue the crooks on Wall Street with just a fraction of this vigor.
31
Guess there are not enough dopes in the US to keep them occupied.
6
What authority does the US have to investigate sports cheating that occured deep in Russia? I am getting really worried about my country, the USA. We have developed an incredible over inflated opinion of our moral importance, moral superiority. It will not get better with the inevitable Trump presidency, only worse. We are becoming one huge prison/judicial/war Industrial Complex AKA the Fourth Reich. We need some event to force humility on this government of ours.
11
Too bad for the honest few, but sports is now widely acknowledged to be corrupt. Watch it for entertainment if you want, be never believe the results aren't rigged.
3
Russia is a sovereign state not a US colony.
16
@ Andy and your point is? Doping is illegal, (International Law) when competing against other countries, including the United States and Canada. If any money went through U.S banks related in any way to this alleged charge, there is a legitimate case. If your corrupted Russia is so dear to you, leave Canada and live there. You obviously have a big chip against the U.S. I can't imagine you love another freedom loving country like Canada. Two countries along with France, England, Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Germany, that prevent the world from turning into a planet of human rights abuses with no consequences.
5
So is Switzerland. But the FIFA arrests took place there! By US officials.
Yeah... They are a cheating, fraudulent, corrupt , sovereign state that are guilty of crimes.
1
This they investigate. How about looking into the criminal activities of the Clinton charitable trust. A more important way for the justice dept. to spend our money.
Ron
Ron
19
What does your right-wing Republican agenda have to do with the doping of Russian athletes? This is an international Olympic matter, not a Donald Trump pulpit.
1
Now that Clinton's email and private foundation problems have been resolved, I guess Justice has time on their hands to go after the REAL culprits! What a relief. They even have time to tell us which bathroom to use!
16
The Policy of Washington D.C. Harassment of Russia continues in any venue possible.
when does the Clinton Investigation begin for accepting $140 million in Payola in the form of speeches which were the same as the 90's which were provided for free.
The Clinton Deferred Compensation Agreement for NAFTA & WTO signature and approval should be prosecuted. Let's get started
when does the Clinton Investigation begin for accepting $140 million in Payola in the form of speeches which were the same as the 90's which were provided for free.
The Clinton Deferred Compensation Agreement for NAFTA & WTO signature and approval should be prosecuted. Let's get started
13
What a stupid, conditioned response.
The story is about Russian State sponsored fraud via sports doping. The evidence is rock solid. The United States dept of Justice does not pursue pie in the sky fantasies on a whim.
It's a big stretch to go from Russian doping to baselessly slandering the Clinton Foundation with your Trumped up charges. You must be John Miller, an employee and alter ego of Donald Trump.
The story is about Russian State sponsored fraud via sports doping. The evidence is rock solid. The United States dept of Justice does not pursue pie in the sky fantasies on a whim.
It's a big stretch to go from Russian doping to baselessly slandering the Clinton Foundation with your Trumped up charges. You must be John Miller, an employee and alter ego of Donald Trump.
2
Clinton could not accept money for speeches when he was president. Sarah Palin hauls in (or use to) six figures for speeches too. While the amount may seem obscene for such talks, there may not be criminal behavior involved.
We can bring charges against Russians for sports violations but not Saudi Arabians for supporting terrorism?
75
Could not agree more.
3
It's amazing that this trumps more pressing U.S. issues like illegal grant funding of sanctuary cities. But it does serve as an effective five-second smokescreen by the administration to take the glaring spotlight off it's irresponsible lackadaisical meanderings around the law.
6
on one hand this seems like an over reach by the U.S. Justice but on the other, the Russians are gaining an unfair edge and appropriate action by the sports bodies need to take some action, if there are real facts and evidence to support the allegations. then take them down.
3
Why didn't Russia open an investigation into the long-enduring doping scandal of Lance Armstrong?
Why didn't France, for that matter?
Why didn't France, for that matter?
23
Why did Loretta Lyncgthe DoJ let HSBC off with a mere fine for criminal money laundering?
This is a cheap, petty political stunt to embarrass the Russians and is a waste of US Tax Payer Dollars as well as overstepping the bounds of our legitimate authority.
This is a cheap, petty political stunt to embarrass the Russians and is a waste of US Tax Payer Dollars as well as overstepping the bounds of our legitimate authority.
19
@ gloria, there were many investigations into Lance Armstrong. You're misinformed. Not to mention state sponsored doping is quite different than an individual who dopes. he takes all of the risk if caught, and Lance Armstrong was caught. He wasn't an American Government sponsored Athlete. We are not a communist country if you haven't noticed. Get your comparison on equal footing if you're going to make a charge for your enemy country The United States. Rely on Russia and see how far that gets you in a crisis.
To MCS....does Lance Armstrong bring sponsored by the U.S. Post Office count?
While I, like most people of the world, am certainly appalled by the Russians cheating in the last 3 Olympics games, prosecuting them criminally is a waste of millions of taxpayer dollars when there are bigger criminals to prosecute. The Olympics has already banned over 30 Russian athletes, with more to come. Pursuing a criminal case will only at best, convict people who are not in the US. Furthermore, obviously the orders to drug came from Mr. Putin himself, who will certainly not be prosecuted. Also, prosecuting foreign officials would be best done for more serious crimes, like wrongful bombings or human rights abuses. However, pursuing those charges would also expose American troops, politicians, and even prosecutors + police to charges of human rights abuses and illegal attacks overseas and illegal prosecution, arrest+enslavement in jail for years of millions of Americans for unconstitutional victimless + consensensual "crimes", banned by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the USA signed. Certainly, there are bigger crimes they could pursue, such as illegal activity which led to the recent economic collapse, as well as testing NY's portion of the 1/2 million untested USA rape "kits". Cheating in sports is bad, but there are far bigger crimes they're not prosecuting. When I win this presidential campagin, I'll stop all wrongful+wasteful prosecution+jailing. In the meantime, we must rely on prosecutorial + police discretion+ even jury nullification.-fs
16
If the US is so concerned with fairness, they should file a complaint with the global Olympic governing body and try to get the Russians banned from Rio.
Otherwise, this clowning around by DoJ is just ludicrous. Because what's next? A guy commits a crime in Sweden, we have to prosecute him because he used an Iphone and stored his data on a cloud server in California?... Honestly, I don't pay my taxes so the US can police the world.
Otherwise, this clowning around by DoJ is just ludicrous. Because what's next? A guy commits a crime in Sweden, we have to prosecute him because he used an Iphone and stored his data on a cloud server in California?... Honestly, I don't pay my taxes so the US can police the world.
22
You clearly dont get it and have no clue of the gravity of these crimes. I don't have time to correct your ignorance either. Put it this way, humdreds of people were cheated at a cost of hundreds of millions.
This is no surprise and certainly not worthy of investigation using our tax dollars. I don't understand how anyone can believe that the U.S. Olympics are any different than professional football, basketball, soccer or baseball. It's about big money and little else. This thing becomes a bigger spectacle each year, with doping rumors and other sordid back stories lurking. I have lost interest in most of it and consider this less of a 'scandal' than more of the same.
21
You should understand that the N.B.C. network carries the Olympics and the feds are very friendly with N.B.C.
This is about saving the N.B.C. face.
This is about saving the N.B.C. face.
1
When are we going to learn not to be the world's policeman? We have to stop this ridiculous universal jurisdiction, just because money is involved. This is an Olympic matter, a sports matter, not a US criminal matter.
40
Since when do Brooklyn prosecutors have jurisdiction over Russia? How is this "trial" different from North Korea propaganda trials over unlucky tourists, nationally broadcasting them crying and begging for forgiveness on their knees? The only real way to "establish jurisdiction" would be to win in a nuclear war with Russia. The whole trial by media has one purpose only - to humiliate and irreparably soil Russia's reputation with slanderous accusations and to instill hatred towards all Russians all over the world. At the very least it's counterproductive, if US is serious about the real challenges facing the world today.
12
This is nothing but pure spite. Yes they did doping and should not profit from and probably lose medal but for the Justice Department to open an investigation is a step too far, This is nothing but Obama using DOJ to try and single out one country with whom we are having diplomatic issues.
The US should NOT be allowed to run all over the world opening law suit against companies and individuals. THis is wrong and in the end will hurt the US.
Federal courts are wrong to allow prosecution of foreigners and foreign officials if there is any nexus with the US. We contrive this nexus by the fact that these people may have used a US bank. Remember US banks have offices all over the world and they will quickly become a symbol of US greed, and arrogance if we use them as a backdoor for judicial prosecution.
The US is out of control in its desire and pettiness to involve itself in events world wide. This is sports controversy let the sports authority handle it, not the Federal COurts. This is nothing more than the US government using the COurt system to discredit Athletes and officials in Russia sport. It is petty and mean - and the US should not stoop so low. Hopeful they will not bring a case.
But in reality this is just an excuse to embarrass Russia as the US is mad at Russian aid to Assad in Syria.
The US should NOT be allowed to run all over the world opening law suit against companies and individuals. THis is wrong and in the end will hurt the US.
Federal courts are wrong to allow prosecution of foreigners and foreign officials if there is any nexus with the US. We contrive this nexus by the fact that these people may have used a US bank. Remember US banks have offices all over the world and they will quickly become a symbol of US greed, and arrogance if we use them as a backdoor for judicial prosecution.
The US is out of control in its desire and pettiness to involve itself in events world wide. This is sports controversy let the sports authority handle it, not the Federal COurts. This is nothing more than the US government using the COurt system to discredit Athletes and officials in Russia sport. It is petty and mean - and the US should not stoop so low. Hopeful they will not bring a case.
But in reality this is just an excuse to embarrass Russia as the US is mad at Russian aid to Assad in Syria.
9
If our objective is to punish Russia for wrongdoing, I'd rather we take them on over invading the Ukraine. Sports doping, while wrong, seems like small potatoes in the geopolitical joust with Russia. I like the idea of exposing and discrediting cheaters and those who blatantly lie about it, but is the best we can do to put Putin in his place?
6
The Department of Justice under Loretta Lynch is doing wonderful work! In so many areas simultaneously. She deserves to be commended. I wonder if she like to work for a woman next. Or perhaps sit on the Supreme Court. She is one qualified lady!
1
Yeah, They dope. How are American citizens harmed by this, well maybe those wagering are, but fraud is a risk sophisticated bettors consider. Unless I am missing something this is a waste of resources, unless it is part of a government scheme to further discredit Russia as a world power, warranted, of course, but prudent?
29
Can someone please explain to me why the US Justice Department has jurisdiction over a Russian doping case, or an international soccer scandal? And why should my tax dollars go to pay for such an investigation? If we can intervene in this way, can the criminal justice system of a foreign country legitimately go after Bush and Cheney (or Obama, for that matter) and ask to have them extradited to stand trial for war crimes?
128
The FIFA case is easy. It involves bank fraud in American banking institutions. That one fell in the Feds' laps when Chuck Blazer, a FIFA and CONCACAF official whose residence is Trump Tower failed to file tax returns for a deca or more. When the IRS paid him a visit and informed him of the dim view they took of tax evasion, he begged for leniency, offering up corrupt FIFA and CONCACAF officials taking bribes and using fraudulent banking practices in this country to launder their booty.
6
It's in the works as we type.
1
Good question. Since the DOJ cannot effectively punish people over their 1st Amendment right to speak about Muslims, and since they have now backtracked on wanting to prosecute North Carolina and withhold funding that would result in eliminating the school lunch program for underprivileged children, and they aren't doing anything to stop their grant funding of illegal sanctuary cities. So instead, they go after Russian doping because they are so confused while scambling between trans bathroom stalls. Go figure.
5
I would like our government to also investigate our own corrupt officials and business leaders. It's in regards to the upcoming Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon and the 2021 Wolrd Track and Filed Championships that was awarded to Eugene, Oregon without any competition from other world cities. Open new investigations of Sebastian Coe of the IAAF, his holiness- Phil Knight of Nike and Oregon political and business leaders. Coe is already under investigation. So should Phil Knight. There is way too much corruption, possible bribery amongst the IAAF, American and International Olympic officials and our national, state, and local business and political leaders. I'm afraid this will go the same way as Justice Dept's failure to investigate and bring charges against those Wall St crooks. Big money means big influence national and international. Just as Wall St., Putin, and Saudi Arabia.
16
Ban the Russkies from Rio. This is the country that serves as a model for Trump: All lies--- all of the time.
6
Since it's "Breaking News", I'd like to be about 'prosecutors look into banksters', or 'prosecutors look into Ginnie Mae' or 'prosecutors look into Big Pharma'.
It is OUR money they're spending.
It's Our money they're wasting.
It is OUR money they're spending.
It's Our money they're wasting.
64
Thank you for your sensible comment. I will second your motion
5
Silly rabbit, Russians sport cheats are evil and threaten all that is good and holy about the American Way of Life. Bankers are hard working unsung heroes that politicians that keep Democracy Safe from the terrorists by contributing our hard earned... wait, I meant their hard earned money to keep political campaigns afloat.
2
It must have been a slow year in the criminal word, since the US justice department decided to focus on investigating Russian sport officials. Obviously things like bringing charges for the contaminated water supply in Flint, MI can be put on the back burner. US Justice is going after Putin!
33
Dr. Rodchenkov should be granted immunity from any prosecution to provide the truth and nothing but the truth regarding the Russian drug program.
5
I agree with others here. Why are we wasting taxpayer money on this fool's errand? We can't even make our own rotten institutions and players follow the rules. What the heck do we care what Putin's Russia does in this area?
52
Maybe because they broke our laws? Or perhaps the fact that legitimate althletes were denied their due reward due to this fraud.
It's called Justice.
It's called Justice.
Just like the justice that the POTUS wishes to deny 9/11 victims, or the justice for victims of the reckless banking practices that destroyed the lives and fortunes of millions?
1
As long as it is possible to make money playing sports there will be doping and other cheating.
3
Transgender bathrooms and now Russians on steroids. Glad Obama has his head in the game and is focused on what's important.
26
My nephew (an Olympian in training) has been complaining about Russian athletes for years. In sports circles, he says, it has been common knowledge for over a decade that Russkie athletes have been doping. Now, all of a sudden, Rodchenkov steps forward and sings a song of woe about what nearly everybody already knew? What's *really* going on?
3
Why, oh why, must we become the world's justice department when we have pressing issues at home like what bathroom should transgender folks use?
19
I heard there is this thing called the "NBA" that recruits paid athletes from colleges affiliated with the "NCAA" that lets players get fake degrees from real universities. There is such a university called "UNC" that ran such a program for more than 20 years, and when they got caught they blamed it on their women's team. This UNC made it all the way to the final shot of the final game that would have awarded them a championship. No consequences for cheating.
Maybe its time the prosecutors took an interest in this cheating scandal too. While they are at it, they could look into similar practices at the "NFL."
Maybe its time the prosecutors took an interest in this cheating scandal too. While they are at it, they could look into similar practices at the "NFL."
10
What is the point of grasping for jurisdiction only to land in a tangle of international law controversies? Our Justice Department is now going to be the world’s police anytime someone uses an American bank? What is the point of these forays into jurisdiction-grabbing? Someone at DOJ wants to interview athletes or springboard a glamorous career in sports law?
12
Bathroom laws and Russian "athletes." Glad to know Loretta & Co. have nothing better to do. They let the big ones--Goldman Sachs and big banks--defraud us all, and waste time on this crap.
89
The U.S. government should stop acting like junior high schools kids. We are dealing with international diplomacy and nuclear weapons. This looks like a political ploy to embarrass and provoke Russia, which is not the way to pursue peace.
It's not as if we don't have similar problems in our athletic programs.
It's not as if we don't have similar problems in our athletic programs.
14
It is amazing that the NY times just wrote how long people wait to get a hearing in the Bronx and end up in jail as the courts are over burdened yet the DOJ lead by a New Yorker has time, money and resources to pursue a doping scandal in Russia - a conviction, even if, cannot be enforced. I know POTUS cannot talk to her but perhaps Congress can.
26
This is a waste of time and resources. As corrupt and incompetent as they are, this is within the purview of the USADA and the various governing bodies. If they can't do their jobs, that's fundamentally not our problem. What's especially galling is that the DOJ took this action not 24 hours after the story hit the front pages. Meanwhile, the truth about 9/11 continues to trickle out after 15 years, and the bankers and others responsible for crash in 2008 not only weren't indicted but received bonuses. Not impressed.
15
The pursuit of justice by state sponsored criminals defrauding Americans is a "waste of resources"?
One thing is clear. You definitely don't get it. Neither do you have empathy and/or compassion for the victims and those legitimate athletes that worked their whole lives to compete in international sports were cheated by these criminals.
One thing is clear. You definitely don't get it. Neither do you have empathy and/or compassion for the victims and those legitimate athletes that worked their whole lives to compete in international sports were cheated by these criminals.
Where is the criminal investigation by the British or the French or the Germans? After all, their athletes would have been cheated as well.
I'm not disputing that the widespread cheating was wrong. Of course it was. In the same way that Lance Armstrong's cheating was wrong and the steroid users in baseball were wrong. And the governing organizations penalized them, and their sponsors sued them. And that's as it should be.
I am troubled by the immediate and clearly very political response to this news report. It would be wonderful if, just once, we had the same response and call to action for other crimes - the 2008 financial crash, widespread foreclosure fraud, election fraud (not voter fraud, but election fraud), etc. - that affect a far larger and broader swath of the American public.
I'm not disputing that the widespread cheating was wrong. Of course it was. In the same way that Lance Armstrong's cheating was wrong and the steroid users in baseball were wrong. And the governing organizations penalized them, and their sponsors sued them. And that's as it should be.
I am troubled by the immediate and clearly very political response to this news report. It would be wonderful if, just once, we had the same response and call to action for other crimes - the 2008 financial crash, widespread foreclosure fraud, election fraud (not voter fraud, but election fraud), etc. - that affect a far larger and broader swath of the American public.
4
At some point in time, some historian will write about how the governments of the two most powerful nations in the world spent their time doping and exposing the doping of athletes.
It's not like both nation's don't have more pressing needs to deal with. But the political hacks and inbred bureaucracies appear to have great faith that their propaganda machines can divert their respective populations into thinking that their non leaders are actually doing something for them.
Let's agree that the Russians dope their athletes and their government thinks this is a good way to demonstrate to the world the superiority of the Russian system. Who cares. Just don't allow the Russians into world games.
On the other hand, all those Justice Department investigators might be well served to read "The Big Short" and address that small matter of fraud. Or to see whether they have the ability to enforce any remaining anti-trust laws against the Financial or Pharmaceutical industries.
Such small ambitions on the parts of both their houses.
It's not like both nation's don't have more pressing needs to deal with. But the political hacks and inbred bureaucracies appear to have great faith that their propaganda machines can divert their respective populations into thinking that their non leaders are actually doing something for them.
Let's agree that the Russians dope their athletes and their government thinks this is a good way to demonstrate to the world the superiority of the Russian system. Who cares. Just don't allow the Russians into world games.
On the other hand, all those Justice Department investigators might be well served to read "The Big Short" and address that small matter of fraud. Or to see whether they have the ability to enforce any remaining anti-trust laws against the Financial or Pharmaceutical industries.
Such small ambitions on the parts of both their houses.
3
I guess one (or a country) can't be the best at everything all the time. A certain presidential candidate should take note.
I have a better idea. Since the Russians can't be trusted at anything, just ban them from the Olympics, the U.N., the SWIFT international banking system, any kind of market, any kind of forum, any kind of Global Advisory body, any kind of international sporting event, any humanitarian work, any treaty, anything....
They get no benefit of the doubt.
They are blood suckers that cheat the life out of anything they're involved in.
They get no benefit of the doubt.
They are blood suckers that cheat the life out of anything they're involved in.
2
Funny how the whole world outside of US thinks of US as a blood sucker, who bombs other countries for their resources with impunity, they also think of muricans as ignorant obese rednecks who have no business judging other countries
2
Ah Russia, a feudal, paranoiac nation that has never grown up. Lives in a world of make believe and has precious little compunction about throwing war and murder about. It's ruled by fear and propaganda. It's not simply culture difference at all, it's a psychologically dysfunctional country. You should try living there, you'd find out then just how damaged it is, Russia's biggest enemy is Russia itself. Too bad
1
So, yeah, cheating sucks, etc. etc... But seriously? We have so many real problems domestically that justice department resources could have been put to better use solving problems at home.
7
Why bother?
Those convicted or accepting a plea in the FIFA scandal were fined, usually less than they'd received as bribes. Not one is doing jail time.
But, in fairness: It should be noted that none of the executives at the top Wall Street firms whose malfeasance brought about our 2008 recession has done jail time, or even been financially disciplined. People died -- committed suicide -- in the wake of their actions. Collateral damage, I suppose.
Those convicted or accepting a plea in the FIFA scandal were fined, usually less than they'd received as bribes. Not one is doing jail time.
But, in fairness: It should be noted that none of the executives at the top Wall Street firms whose malfeasance brought about our 2008 recession has done jail time, or even been financially disciplined. People died -- committed suicide -- in the wake of their actions. Collateral damage, I suppose.
37
Taxpayer money needed to protect our and all clean athletes and our children. The IOC and all international sports organizations, and Professional Sports are creating a culture of fraud, exploitation of athletes, and a criminal usury cartel of corporate greed, manipulation, and nationalistic cloaking to ruin generations of children who will have stunted lives, brain trauma, cancer and god knows what else. No, everyone does not cheat, there are honest people in this world, crime must pay, and we must do what is right because that is what is right to do.
2
I can think of many more uses for our tax dollars
pure propaganda
pure propaganda
4
By all means, Samir...let's let CHEATERS get away with it. Reaping endorsements, getting contracts that should go to the rightful winners of a contest...
What message does that send to Our Kids?
What message does that send to Our Kids?
2
WHY? Instead of spending $30mm on this investigation give the money to a food bank, clear the college debt for a group of social workers in NYC, pay for babysitters for single parents that are trying to take classes to get ahead in life, etc. etc.
5
Remember those large, framed portraits of Putin that hung in the Sochi hotel rooms? Buff he was. Bare chested...(paid guests complained loudly, as I recall).
Looks like those muscles and pectorals might have had a little help from illegal steroids, if not all the corruption and chutzpa that seems to reek, along with the smell of sweat, whenever he enters a room.
Maybe someone ought to check The Donald's blood, too, while they're at it, don'tcha think?
Looks like those muscles and pectorals might have had a little help from illegal steroids, if not all the corruption and chutzpa that seems to reek, along with the smell of sweat, whenever he enters a room.
Maybe someone ought to check The Donald's blood, too, while they're at it, don'tcha think?
5
Russian athletes are doped up?...........why is anybody surprised at this? How will this benefit the U.S.? A better investigation would look into why not a single CEO of any big bank or Wall Fund hedge fund is not in jail after almost causing a worldwide depression.
4
It may be time to just shut the Olympics down.
[And the public threat of the Zika virus this year is the perfect opportunity.]
Like obsession with corrupted professional sports, let's instead focus on and engender sports and activity for all—"sports for the participant" instead of the stadium—sports for the health and joy of movement and camaraderie.
[And the public threat of the Zika virus this year is the perfect opportunity.]
Like obsession with corrupted professional sports, let's instead focus on and engender sports and activity for all—"sports for the participant" instead of the stadium—sports for the health and joy of movement and camaraderie.
3
I don't consider this breaking news. I agree with Mark Miller. I'd like to see my tax dollars being spent on investigating Wall Street, politicians, police brutality, voter suppression, etc.
This "breaking news" doesn't affect the average American who most likely doesn't know about this "scandal" and even if they did, probably doesn't care.
CNN always has a banner displayed (24/7) that says, "BREAKING NEWS." Nothing they report is breaking news, either. After a while, you quit listening and watching.
This "breaking news" doesn't affect the average American who most likely doesn't know about this "scandal" and even if they did, probably doesn't care.
CNN always has a banner displayed (24/7) that says, "BREAKING NEWS." Nothing they report is breaking news, either. After a while, you quit listening and watching.
8
Is there even Jurisdiction?
3
Yes, there is jurisdiction because the US Congress says there is.
3
Incredible legal overreach funded by the US taxpayer. Shameless grab for publicity by prosecutors trying to emulate the Giuliani path to stardom. Let WADA play their role and pay attention to the corruption underneath your nose in NY State.
7
Yes. Fighting corruption in sports is so much more important than fighting fraud by banks that almost tanked the economy and caused thousands of people to lose their homes.
9
Well, another propaganda ploy … beats a nuke attack, no doubt, but the DoJ must be so busy twisting itself into jurisdictional knots over this, it has no time to open investigations into banksters & the 2008 swindles … might even slow the investigation into HRC's private server abuse to well past election day.
9
Maybe I've missed this, but what is the connection to the US at this point? is it just expected to be a bank used for funds etc or can it be a connection if a suspected athlete competed in an event held in the US?
3
The evidence against the Russian State role in doping seems rather convincing, given the triangulation of data sources for the allegations raised over many months. That said, I must wonder why the US Department of Justice is concerning itself with this matter even if, technically, it can.
I fail to see the point beyond the satisfaction of tilting at windmills. The US national interest seems not to be at-stake unless we consider global athletic competition medal counts as critical to national security. Do we not have more important fish to fry?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
I fail to see the point beyond the satisfaction of tilting at windmills. The US national interest seems not to be at-stake unless we consider global athletic competition medal counts as critical to national security. Do we not have more important fish to fry?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
6
I think we should go in with nukes before they have time to think about it.
Our economy nearly crashes because our oligarchs are allowed to run wild with their heavily leveraged financing, corporations are poisoning us and this is what the US Justice Department is focusing on? Whaat is the benefit to US taxpayers? Let journalists, or the IOC investigate. They have good enough reasons. When are we going to stop seeing ourselves as the sole promoters of good, when we've done so many foolish and hurtful things? This is not our problem.
Our economy nearly crashes because our oligarchs are allowed to run wild with their heavily leveraged financing, corporations are poisoning us and this is what the US Justice Department is focusing on? Whaat is the benefit to US taxpayers? Let journalists, or the IOC investigate. They have good enough reasons. When are we going to stop seeing ourselves as the sole promoters of good, when we've done so many foolish and hurtful things? This is not our problem.
6
Russians do not support the political campaigns of American politicians. Bankers do. It would be rude and ungrateful to reciprocate with prosecution of the picadillos of bankers when their are evil Russian sport cheats about!!!
2
Since we're so interested on righting the wrongs of this world, when are we going to open a criminal investigation into the people who sent us into Iraq?
That falls a lot better into the Justice Department's scope than investigating Russia's athletes.
That falls a lot better into the Justice Department's scope than investigating Russia's athletes.
6
Since we came to see it as US Empire.
Another waste of us tax dollars
All I want is smooth roads
Is that to much to ask
All I want is smooth roads
Is that to much to ask
5
Didn't realize the Justice Dept had so much free time on their hands. Sometimes it seems as if the government almost purposefully looks for ways to waste tax payer money so they can then complain that there are no funds left for really useful stuff. Like investigating the corruption and crime going on right here in the US. I guess state and local government cover ups, election/voter fraud, civil right violations, police corruption, and even congressional misconduct aren't as sexy and exciting as Russian athletes cheating.
Seems like the people of LA got nothing out of an long, expensive 2 year investigation into Lance Armstrongs doping program and the American people won't get anything more out of investigating the Russians than some sad sense of moral righteousness. In case no one's noticed, the Russians aren't easily shamed and they will deny a fact even with incontrovertible evidence right in their face.
Seems like the people of LA got nothing out of an long, expensive 2 year investigation into Lance Armstrongs doping program and the American people won't get anything more out of investigating the Russians than some sad sense of moral righteousness. In case no one's noticed, the Russians aren't easily shamed and they will deny a fact even with incontrovertible evidence right in their face.
41
Nice to see the DOJ and the AG have their priorities straight. Between this and the bathroom fiasco, I feel like I'm back in the days of Marshall, Brandeis, Holmes, and Frankfurter. Not.
9
The only slight difference between US athletes doping, and many do, is the association with the government. It's been long known the the Soviets/Russians have engaged in an active program to enhance athletic performance of their athletes. In the US, similar doping programs have existed and many US athletes acheived olympic gold, and intertional acclaim, because of it. The US never had an agency asslciated with the government to achieve that however. I think the Justice department needs to focus their attention on things that actually matter, such as Hillary putting our national security and the lives of Americans at risk, because of her blatant disregard of the law, and the interests of America.
3
The DoJ will tackle ANY issue no matter how obscure or irrelevant rather than go after our corrupt politicians.
12
yeah, yeah, yeah.
Not so long ago a governor of Virginia was convicted of corruption. And as I write, a Congressman from Philadelphia is on trial. The Congressman's son was convicted a couple months ago.
Not so long ago a governor of Virginia was convicted of corruption. And as I write, a Congressman from Philadelphia is on trial. The Congressman's son was convicted a couple months ago.
1
Take all of the DOJ resources and focus on terrorism, not FIFA and the Olympics. The vast majority of Americans could care less. I'm sure non of our Olympians are taking PEDs. They will soon be teaching spoiled rich children how to cut a 1/4 second off their 100 yard dash for $80/hour.
2
Cheaters never prosper. They are ultimately undone by their own corruption.
4
Yeah, James. About 10 years after they sell their medals...
See also: China, Korea, Brazil, Venezuela, Hungary and Nigeria.
See also: China, Korea, Brazil, Venezuela, Hungary and Nigeria.
1
Tell that to Trump, and most real estate developers, oil company executives, Big Pharma executives..... the list goes on. They lie ,cheat, steal their way into our pockets and take the clothes of our backs.
1
Oh, many cheaters do very well. Just look at investor bankers who designed and dealt in mortgage securities. A big bail out, big bonuses, and eight years later the justice department is more interested in Russian sports corruption than what ruined the lives of millions.
Appreciate the U.S. Justice Department opening an investigation into doping, but to make a long lasting impact they needs to focus on the corruption within the International Olympic Committee, as it did with FIFA and their organizationally ingrained corruption.
45
Right. Sebatian Coe, President of the IAAF is also under investigation for his role in the awarding of the 2021 World Track Championships in Eugene Oregon that had no other bidders and that the taxpayers of Oregon are now going to pay for. But it shouldn't stop there, there are so many more big fish to catch.
Dr Rodchenkov should be careful about accepting any tea invitations from former colleagues. Or check his polonium level after eating with them.
46
Or maybe the DOJ is planning to trade with Russia - Dr. Rodchenkov for Snowden.
1
Unfortunately, checking your polonium level after the act is already too late.
3
Look: All "defectors" want a cozy life with lots of money.
Therefore: What will they tell us?
Whatever they are told to.
Therefore: What will they tell us?
Whatever they are told to.
Why on earth is the US Justice Department investigating Russian sports doping? Worldwide commission to right wrongs that need righting? Seriously, why are we spending taxpayer money on something like this? And to the issue of FIFA being corrupt, of course it is. Don't need a bunch of agents going around investigating a Swiss "nonprofit" -- the real scandal is the Olympics and other "amateur" sports being treated as nonprofits to begin with.
90
talk about "Non-profits". One of Eugene(Springfield) Oregon's supposed non- profit hospitals made the top ten list of hospitals that made the most profit last year. I didn't think that was possible or legal.
1
Maybe I slept through too many international law classes, but what is the point of an unenforceable order?
Yes, the finding of guilt is powerful, but as far as I know there is no provision among the Olympic bodies that provides for any sort of punishment in the face of this kind of cheating beyond the largely ceremonial stripping of medals.
As well, any state officials in Russia who were complicit in the "crime" here would be protected by Russia's sovereign immunity, would they not?
Interested to see what the DA can come up with here but somehow I'm given to think that Russia will be less cooperative than FIFA.
Yes, the finding of guilt is powerful, but as far as I know there is no provision among the Olympic bodies that provides for any sort of punishment in the face of this kind of cheating beyond the largely ceremonial stripping of medals.
As well, any state officials in Russia who were complicit in the "crime" here would be protected by Russia's sovereign immunity, would they not?
Interested to see what the DA can come up with here but somehow I'm given to think that Russia will be less cooperative than FIFA.
14
Can Russian athletes be prohibited en masse from international competitions after it is proven that doping is Russian state policy, or must each sanctioned athlete be shown to be a doper?
1
Are pharma corporations state dopers?
The USA are a corporation-run country.
The USA are a corporation-run country.
I would think we might want to clean up our own house first. Lance Armstrong, Marion Jones, Barry Bonds, the NFL, the list goes on and on.
55
i would prefer to receive a “breaking news” alert about the Justice Department opening a meaningful investigation into, say, Wall Street insider trading, Capitol Hill influence peddling, voter disenfranchisement schemes across the country, or defense industry malfeasance, for starters.
What is the objective of this investigation? What do taxpayers stand to gain from it? Are there unstated ulterior motives in play?
As the Times reports, "Even if prosecutors are able to establish jurisdiction, securing the cooperation of Russian authorities in pursuing evidence and witnesses — and in ultimately delivering any charged defendants to the United States — would be all but impossible.”
Sounds like jousting with windmills.
What is the objective of this investigation? What do taxpayers stand to gain from it? Are there unstated ulterior motives in play?
As the Times reports, "Even if prosecutors are able to establish jurisdiction, securing the cooperation of Russian authorities in pursuing evidence and witnesses — and in ultimately delivering any charged defendants to the United States — would be all but impossible.”
Sounds like jousting with windmills.
206
It's basically low-hanging fruit.
2
And perhaps the indictment of Hillary Clinton for putting the security and lives of AMericans at risk because of her bltant disregard of the law.
2
It is indeed jousting, but the lances are made of gold appropriated from Fort Knox and windmills' sails are papered with $100 bills provided by our tax dollars.
5
Oh and I thought they were going to open an investigation into all the banksters who took down the entire exonomy, right before the statute of limitations runs out, bit I guess it will just be another bread and circuses propaganda trial instead...
138
Right on, Dave. But it's the bread to feed the circus performers, thus ever so much more exciting than investigating boring bankers.
3