One sure way to end the corruption and waste of the IOC is to permanently set the Summer Olympics in Greece, where they began. Set the Winter Olympics in some Scandinavian Country and let that be the end of it. Can you imagine what it would do for the citizens and economy of Greece? Imagine building only One Olympic Village that would last decades, not having to fund and build a huge city of stadiums and infrastructure every 4 years? It would END the bidding fiasco that the IOC foists upon every contender for the Olympics. Bring the Olympics back to its former glory with one uniform site for both the winter and summer Olympiad! Look what is happening in Brazil! The shoddy structures, the lack of preparedness. My fellow citizens, the time has come to end the madness.
3
When are candidates for President of the USA going to be drug tested? Why isn't there a WADA for American politicians? I ask this because of Donald Trump, with, despite his age, his extreme and stentorian oratory and inability to complete a logical train of thought, but Hillary should be tested too...
So now you think only the Russian dopes? It is never a matter of who's doping, but who get caught.
1
It's not just other athletes dope. it is the state-sponsored nature of Russia's doping, extending to high levels of government. That's the difference.
1
They could've just as well call it Dopelympics and make Putin its honorable chair! ;))
What a clear message to a bunch of gangsters running a racket on global scale...
Wink and go... Don't get caught and eliminate weakest links...
Dr. Rodchenkov, carry polonium tester... it may prolong your life... as far as it's being spared chances are just like winning lottery... not that good ;(
Pax Russie is onsetting and it's already ugly as hell...
What a clear message to a bunch of gangsters running a racket on global scale...
Wink and go... Don't get caught and eliminate weakest links...
Dr. Rodchenkov, carry polonium tester... it may prolong your life... as far as it's being spared chances are just like winning lottery... not that good ;(
Pax Russie is onsetting and it's already ugly as hell...
1
I can think of sports where doping is unlikely to be helpful -- women's gymnastics, golf, target shooting, and possibly tennis -- but they are few and far between. Track and field, wrestling, weightlifting, swimming, bicycling, even crew events, have all been tainted by doping.
But mostly, I think that the Olympics have passed their sell-by date. Certainly, the way the current IOC approaches the Olympics, by bankrupting cities and engaging in, let's face it, rampant expense account mining (if not outright graft), leaves one with the impression that it is mostly an exercise intended to sustain the members of the IOC. It's no longer fun to watch.
But mostly, I think that the Olympics have passed their sell-by date. Certainly, the way the current IOC approaches the Olympics, by bankrupting cities and engaging in, let's face it, rampant expense account mining (if not outright graft), leaves one with the impression that it is mostly an exercise intended to sustain the members of the IOC. It's no longer fun to watch.
3
Aren't all Olympic athletes drug tested before every competition?
With the Tour de France now over, I suppose Lance Armstrong can go work in Brazil to help Russia.
There will be no "Boys in the Boat" or Jesse Owens legends coming out of the Rio Olympics. Instead it will be a story of corruption and authoritarian politics triumphant. All of which shows just what an exercise in fraud, hypocrisy, political pandering and just plain money grubbing the Olympics has become. If the IOC will not ban a blatantly cheating team, then the honest athletes and teams should boycott the Olympics and let it be seen for what it clearly has become a competition that caters to everything that it wrong with modern, organized athletics.
1
I will not be watching this years Olympics - they're 'rigged' and there is no prudent oversight. The Russians have made a mockery of the Games - the culture in Russia believes its acceptable to cheat. They should be banned for life as they will never change - it's a way of life in Russia, as well as other Eastern European blocs.
4
If Russia can shoot down a civilian airliner and get away with it, how surprised should we be that the gutless International Olympic Committee refused to ban the Russians for widespread cheating in sports? It's the era of no personal accountability or responsibility, of governing bodies that don't govern, and of the rule of money and power over honesty and integrity. When no one was held responsible (i.e. no criminal penalties or prison time) for a financial meltdown from which many countries ares still trying to recover, why should we worry about cheating athletes? When the Olympics begin, just change the channel.
4
"The country's state-run doping system." Perhaps in the future this will describe the U.S. with states where marijuana has been legalized.
1
If the Russian team shows up in force I won't watch any of the events
What a farce
Can anyone tell me the last time there was a clean Olympics, or any other "clean" sporting event? Cheating in sports is and has been a fact of life forever. Today it is merely a question of scale and the use of improved scientific knowledge and methods. If you like sports you have to accept that there's cheating or what the losers call chesting. It's our competitor nature, our human nature to win at all costs.
So disappointed for all the hard-working honest athletes of the world - if there are any, now one must ask. How more organized can a cheating if not criminal state get before it is outright banned? Shame on the IOC. The Olympic glory is fading right before my eyes as it is too tainted to even pretend any more.
2
I've pretty much stopped watching or caring about the Olympics. It reminds me of the NCAA, how that organization supports individual colleges making billions from amateur athletes while those same athletes are treated like less than minimum wage employees.
2
Who cares about the Olympics with their doped up pro athletes.
4
The Russian flag flying over the Rio Olympic Games will be "the finger" flipped in the face of IOC enforcement by the Russian Federation...
2
Russia has turned into a nation of thugs and the West better stiffen its resolve sooner than later. Assassinating internal critics even when they flee the country, invading Ukraine, bullying nations with oil and resource threats, commandeering the Arctic, training 'fight-club' gangs to go to international soccer matches and beat up opposing fans and now trying to posture superior athleticism with state sponsored doping. In every case the West yields a bit more instead of standing at the line. Same for China and its arrogant bullying and expansionist proclivities. Without significant repercussions these two nations may eventually see themselves as needing to align so as to be able to maintain their current paranoia driven agendas - and then you can expect World War III to be a very bad time for the planet.
2
Man are you ever brain washed. The US has invaded, destabilized, more countries, assassinated more leaders and foment more chaos and unrest than any other nation in history.
as far as the Ukraine is concerned the US started that mess as well. Get your history straight. The US is the biggest threat to create W WIII than anyone is.
as far as the Ukraine is concerned the US started that mess as well. Get your history straight. The US is the biggest threat to create W WIII than anyone is.
1
Right. America's neighbors Canada and Mexico fear us and want NATO troops placed in their countries to help protect them. Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, etc. etc. are just U.S. proxies trying to foment trouble for Russia? Ever hear of Stalin? And the U.S. never held a candle to the UK's colonial aspirations. Perhaps still smarting from losing the Revolutionary War.
Wussies...Should have been an outright ban.
Athletes are surrogates, the only way to 'punish' Russia was to 'punish' the athletes. Allowing the Russian athletes to compete and the Russian flag to fly at the games is a victory for the Russian culture of corruption and a defeat for the IOC.
Athletes are surrogates, the only way to 'punish' Russia was to 'punish' the athletes. Allowing the Russian athletes to compete and the Russian flag to fly at the games is a victory for the Russian culture of corruption and a defeat for the IOC.
1
Bach is another Sepp Blatter. Vile in the extreme.
5
Once again its' money over integrity. Let's go ahead and let big money pay athletes to dope and make it a blood sport. Televised fights to the death
6
Lance Armstrong would be a national hero in Russia. In fact, he should move to Russia and run its doping program.
5
I'm sure NBC had nothing to say about this decision. It's all about the ratings and NBC wants a USA / RUSSIA showdown for the huge fees it pays for TV rights.
5
We are living through an era where getting away with anything you can, by any means, legal or illegal, ethical or unethical knows no bounds. It is pretty pervasive but just when you think such skulduggery has reach new lows in sports, the Russians show us how to sink further into the abyss of dishonesty.
Trump knows that game well. That's why he admires Putin. Afraid of a Trump victory? VOTE.
Trump knows that game well. That's why he admires Putin. Afraid of a Trump victory? VOTE.
8
Need to ban all of the Russian cheaters.
5
Let everyone dope and call the Olympics entertainment. It is not only Russia which has an official policy of helping their athletes take performance enhancing drugs and then helps them with clean urine for testing. Other countries are doing it too but have not been exposed yet. The US has had its share of medal winners who later admitted to doping at a tearful news conference. In past Olympics some athletes had clean urine injected into their bladders and there have been others who have had a pouch of clean urine which they use to pee into the test jar. Let's stop pretending there is anything good about sportsmanship. It means winning at all costs without getting caught cheating.
Rio is not ready, the country is in turmoil and the venues of some of the water events are filled with dangerous pathogens. Cancel the farce or cancel the drug tests. The Olympics have been fraudulent sports contests for a very long time. I read recently of a female Polish runner from the 1930s who accused a female American runner of being a male; she was't. But years later when the Polish woman was killed in an accident they discovered that she in fact was a man. Some form of cheating has been going on most likely in every single Olympics. Instead of worrying about cheating, treat it as pure entertainment or cancel it forever.
Rio is not ready, the country is in turmoil and the venues of some of the water events are filled with dangerous pathogens. Cancel the farce or cancel the drug tests. The Olympics have been fraudulent sports contests for a very long time. I read recently of a female Polish runner from the 1930s who accused a female American runner of being a male; she was't. But years later when the Polish woman was killed in an accident they discovered that she in fact was a man. Some form of cheating has been going on most likely in every single Olympics. Instead of worrying about cheating, treat it as pure entertainment or cancel it forever.
6
If the Russians can dope and compete in the Olympics, then all nations
(athletes) can dope.
(athletes) can dope.
4
The Russian government established the doping program. In the Olympics, tt's not individual athletes that compete per se, its nations or we would have the parade of flags in the ceremonies or national medal counts throughout. The Russian nation has been proven to sanction, support, encourage, and fund the most widespread cheating anyone has seen before. Reports that their intelligence services were involved in assisting the doctoring/substituting of samples came out in this investigation. The IOC has again shown the trait it's best known for...cowardice.
10
The entire senior level of Olympic Officials should be replaced. For them to punt on this is outrageous. To allow the eight Russian tennis players to participate after more than 200 violations in the last two years is lunacy. Russia will never be ashamed as they should be. Only a strong response would get to them. Every doping "athlete" (cheater) should be eliminated from competition for life.
13
Already countries are failing to step up and finance the winter Olympics, even when they have athletes who excel in the winter disciplines. Eventually the only countries bidding will be totalitarian ones who want the PR advantage of underwriting a worldwide games. If it's cold and run by a dictator, look for it to be in the running for a winter bid.
Summer events stand more than half a chance of limping along, but really Los Angeles, you want to kiss the ring of the IOC? I've just volunteered at the World Indoor Championships for track and field in Portland and am grateful that the IAAF has done the right thing in banning Russia athletes based on the evidence of state sponsored doping. And I'm not tuning in to NBCSN to watch these Olympics, although I was in London for 2012. The only thing the IOC understands is money. Boycott NBCSN, tune in to reruns anything you please.
Or better yet, it's summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. Go for a walk instead, ride your bike, invite friends and family to come along. No need to sit riveted in front of the TV watching other folks sweat and strain, especially if it's a cast of athletes whose medals will be taken away from them, whether it be on the morrow, or four or eight years from now.
Summer events stand more than half a chance of limping along, but really Los Angeles, you want to kiss the ring of the IOC? I've just volunteered at the World Indoor Championships for track and field in Portland and am grateful that the IAAF has done the right thing in banning Russia athletes based on the evidence of state sponsored doping. And I'm not tuning in to NBCSN to watch these Olympics, although I was in London for 2012. The only thing the IOC understands is money. Boycott NBCSN, tune in to reruns anything you please.
Or better yet, it's summer here in the Northern Hemisphere. Go for a walk instead, ride your bike, invite friends and family to come along. No need to sit riveted in front of the TV watching other folks sweat and strain, especially if it's a cast of athletes whose medals will be taken away from them, whether it be on the morrow, or four or eight years from now.
1
Russia is increasingly lawless and dangerous. The West cannot let down its guard.
7
The IOC is only about money. The best way to protest is not to watch any of the Rio farce.
4
Well, with luck under President Trump maybe we can go this route too. Plagiarized documents, bought academic degrees, bought medals--we could just start, you know "Winning!" It's everything.
15
Apparently Trump wants Putin to be his Secretary of State. He will arrange Putin's legal immigration, because they are going to have this fantastic bromance!
Dear NYT, you are talking about an independent (at least for the USA) country, not about a child when your write: "Pressure to discipline Russia had mounted in recent months". You can not "discipline a country" or punish it for "bad behavior" - this is an echo of presumed parading the world, or to be exact to be a world police.
1
Is Olympics necessary for us? The problem of doping has presented us a big question. Why did the state-run doping system of Russia occur? Because the country sticks to getting medals of Olympics too much. Political leaders tend to utilize the number of medals for keeping their positions.
This tendency is not only for Russia but also for other countries. Some countries have paid huge money to their athletes to get medals. Gold medals have been bought by money recently. We should not stick to the number of medals of countries. The honor of medals belongs to individual athletes. If the nationalism comes to the front, the possibility of injustice will not disappear and the necessity of Olympics totters.
This tendency is not only for Russia but also for other countries. Some countries have paid huge money to their athletes to get medals. Gold medals have been bought by money recently. We should not stick to the number of medals of countries. The honor of medals belongs to individual athletes. If the nationalism comes to the front, the possibility of injustice will not disappear and the necessity of Olympics totters.
3
I'm surprised that we haven't heard from the Trump campaign with news that Hillary was responsible either for the appearance of tampering or for creating a distraction intended to embarrass Vladimir Putin.
5
A House committee led by Trent Gowdy will begin that investigation as soon as Congress returns from its seven-week vacation. Anything to avoid dealing with the nation's gun and violence epidemic stoked by Second Amendment and Eleventh Commandment ("Thou shalt not touch, nor place any sensible restrictions on, my guns") Republicans.
Let's stop the charade. Athletes should be encouraged to eat, rub in, inject, implant, breathe every possible doping substance possible. Then let's get back to the military roots of the whole thing and make it an all-terrain fight to the death. Call it 'Hunger Games' or something.
4
After such a damning report that reads like a spy novel the IOC completely crumbled and passed the buck. Since the report there has been considerable pressure from the Russians and it makes me wonder if Putin and his gang have got to some members of the IOC.
2
"They must appeal" might mean " they must pay bribes".
6
Seems like we are heading to the one of the worst Olympics in the modern history - numerous problems with the infrastructure, concerns regarding the Zika virus, and now the doping scandal (which has always been present but not to this wide range)!
5
This is not about the Athletes…it's about how can the West continue to humiliate Putin and discredit him in the eyes of the global community.
If the IOC was going to put bans on athletes who have doped or continue to dope for the games, they'd have to go after every country and every athlete out there. Wikipedia has a list of every name and country dating to 1981. Go read it.
You'll find that since 1981 every country - that's EVERY country on the planet has had or is having a doping scandal to deal with.
Putin is right: it IS politically motivated, and as the IOC is heavily lobbied by the USOC - whose leadership and members are primarily Democrats, members of the monied Elite, with millions of dollars available to put into their lobbying efforts - the anti-Putin thrust in the media (especially the NY Times) is just another cog in the US foreign policy wheel. Doping happens in Russia…it MUST be because Putin allowed it. Oh…it was a "concerted effort of the intelligence services."
And if it happened here, would the media jump up and down wringing their hands like they are doing with the Evil Ruskies? Are the Brazilians being scrutinized as closely?
The pressure to "discipline Russia" is being exerted from the US - you can count on it. This is a pure political move - note the timing of the ban and the opening ceremonies on Aug 6th - it's all designed to keep the presence of Russian athletes as low as possible, foment discord in Russia, and put pressure on Putin.
If the IOC was going to put bans on athletes who have doped or continue to dope for the games, they'd have to go after every country and every athlete out there. Wikipedia has a list of every name and country dating to 1981. Go read it.
You'll find that since 1981 every country - that's EVERY country on the planet has had or is having a doping scandal to deal with.
Putin is right: it IS politically motivated, and as the IOC is heavily lobbied by the USOC - whose leadership and members are primarily Democrats, members of the monied Elite, with millions of dollars available to put into their lobbying efforts - the anti-Putin thrust in the media (especially the NY Times) is just another cog in the US foreign policy wheel. Doping happens in Russia…it MUST be because Putin allowed it. Oh…it was a "concerted effort of the intelligence services."
And if it happened here, would the media jump up and down wringing their hands like they are doing with the Evil Ruskies? Are the Brazilians being scrutinized as closely?
The pressure to "discipline Russia" is being exerted from the US - you can count on it. This is a pure political move - note the timing of the ban and the opening ceremonies on Aug 6th - it's all designed to keep the presence of Russian athletes as low as possible, foment discord in Russia, and put pressure on Putin.
8
Russia has state sponsored doping and conducted state sponsored hooliganism at the recent European football championships. There are also questionable circumstances surrounding how Russia was awarded the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
I think it's very clear what Mr Putin is rolling down to his troops and it's completely understandable why the rest of the world has a very jaundiced view of Russia in sports.
I think it's very clear what Mr Putin is rolling down to his troops and it's completely understandable why the rest of the world has a very jaundiced view of Russia in sports.
2
You don't get it, do you? Russia has state run doping program. The US athletes who dope, do it by themselves. The US federal government or track and field association doesn't approve doping. They actually try to catch the dopers.
3
Greece can bolster it's economy, and take back it's historical position, to hold the Real Olympic games. Let the IOC try to protest, let them stamp their feet and threaten Greece. But the truth of the matter the IOC has lost any vestige of integrity so necessary to conduct true competition in the original intent of the Olympic games.
2
The Olympics has become a joke, with corruption from the very top to the very bottom.
18
Much like FIFA.
3
Russian rulers have proven themselves to be thoroughly and shamelessly corrupt. Russia should be evicted from all sports competitions for two years and forced to clean house.
9
How about your baseball where wasn't it Jose Canseco who stated 85% of players use steroids. How about Gatlin and Gay - its a double standard generated by the US.
3
Apart from eliminating drug cheats, does equity exist for all countries' athletes in all Olympics sports?
For instance, cycling: the highly efficient cycles/head gear used by athletes from richer countries are hardly affordable by poorer athletes from Africa/Asia, South America. Swimming: richer-countries' athletes who take home multiple Olympic medals use highly efficient, expensive swim trunks which aspiring swimmers from poorer countries can hardly afford. The also applies to many Olympics sports such as javelin throwing, canoeing, shooting (in Africa, many aspiring athletes still use double-barrelled guns!) fencing, golf, equestrian sports, etcetera.
Even the traditional supremacy of East African long distance racing athletes is being doubted in the Western Press as drugs-related! https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/14/kenyan-athletics-drug-test...
Probable sports-equipments 'cheating' usually ensure massive hauls of Olympic medals for 'rich countries' athletes. Protests from poorer countries would of course be ineffectual because of their very weak economies and anaemic press/journalistic influence.
IOC should institute a comprehensive investigation into all probable sports-cheating. 'Equipments-cheating' should not be ignored.
For instance, cycling: the highly efficient cycles/head gear used by athletes from richer countries are hardly affordable by poorer athletes from Africa/Asia, South America. Swimming: richer-countries' athletes who take home multiple Olympic medals use highly efficient, expensive swim trunks which aspiring swimmers from poorer countries can hardly afford. The also applies to many Olympics sports such as javelin throwing, canoeing, shooting (in Africa, many aspiring athletes still use double-barrelled guns!) fencing, golf, equestrian sports, etcetera.
Even the traditional supremacy of East African long distance racing athletes is being doubted in the Western Press as drugs-related! https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/14/kenyan-athletics-drug-test...
Probable sports-equipments 'cheating' usually ensure massive hauls of Olympic medals for 'rich countries' athletes. Protests from poorer countries would of course be ineffectual because of their very weak economies and anaemic press/journalistic influence.
IOC should institute a comprehensive investigation into all probable sports-cheating. 'Equipments-cheating' should not be ignored.
6
The I.O.C. is a cash register. Pure and simple.
12
...and now appears an article by Michael Schmidt of the Times indicating that the athletic dorms are woefully inadequate, with exposed wiring, backed up toilets and water cascading down the walls. The Australian contingent as well as others have refused to move in (today was supposed to be the first day competitors were to have moved into the dorms) while the "organizers" frantically try to resolve these problems with the help of the US and other countries.
I remain thankful that the people of Boston and Massachusetts were able to squelch the absurdly jacked up bid for the 2024 summer games.
The xenophobia, corruption, graft, cheating ad nauseum should result in ending this absurd, professional congregation that only enriches a handful while leaving host cities destitute and in worse shape than before.
I remain thankful that the people of Boston and Massachusetts were able to squelch the absurdly jacked up bid for the 2024 summer games.
The xenophobia, corruption, graft, cheating ad nauseum should result in ending this absurd, professional congregation that only enriches a handful while leaving host cities destitute and in worse shape than before.
3
Russian leadership would say and do anything to propagandize that "Russians" in general have some superior over other nationalities.
The people of Russia should not be blamed, but the leadership.
And lastly, as for Brazil..the games will not be inclusive because of the preparations for the games, the issue with disease and the fact the infrastructure is poorly organized and constructed.
The people of Russia should not be blamed, but the leadership.
And lastly, as for Brazil..the games will not be inclusive because of the preparations for the games, the issue with disease and the fact the infrastructure is poorly organized and constructed.
With the Zika virus and all the other problems with Rio 2016 banning may be a blessing.
1
Once again the powers that be have done the wrong thing and proved again that the olympics are a joke. It's time for countries to stop giving away everything to have the olympics inj their city and for the olympics to just go away forever. No more billions spent for jocks.
7
And one of our major-party candidates wants us to develop closer ties with this country and admires its leader?
5
Putin and Trump share so many of the same values.
5
Obvisouly, the one whose name you don't dare to mention - for better, or worse - has more clout and with him one can find a solution to many world problems, despite the squeeling of an excitable chocolate king.
1
So not developing working relationship with powerful nation is good for global stability?
Individual Russian athletes can make their case for admissions, so in all fairness permits those few , if any , Russian athletes that resisted cheating to compete - one can have assurance that very few , if any, Russian athletes will prove their worthiness to compete so how can this action of the IOC represent corruption ? It appears the IOC simply wanted to demonstrate even handedness with the potentiality that some Russian athletes, particularly those disabled, may have genuinely trained without banned substances and , if so , deserve not to have their cases lumped in with the drugged out rest.
That's it for me, no more Olympics, no watching, no cheering, no supporting.
It's rigged, expensive an of not interest anymore, thank you IOC.
It's rigged, expensive an of not interest anymore, thank you IOC.
8
The Games have been 'rigged' pretty much since 1936, when the Nazis first saw the propaganda value in staging it. The last 'clean' Olympics in my memory was the one in Rome in 1960; all others, that came afterwards, especially when professionals were allowed in (who of course were paid better, if they won) doping has become widespread.
1
Never have watched and never will. Hope the favela's enjoy it.
I stopped watching after the 88' games when Johnson doped to win the 100M. When Vancouver hosted the games, I left for a 2-week vacation in Mexico. Never watch it, would never support it, and find the billions spent on this two-week, elitist party of dopers criminal and a joke on the world.
1
Medals awarded to Russians at the Rio Olympics should come with needles sticking out of them. Its only fair I think.
3
Why? If they test clean, compete clean and win clean, why should they be punished?
The purpose is to eradicate state-sponsored doping - everywhere, not just in one country.
The purpose is to eradicate state-sponsored doping - everywhere, not just in one country.
5
Any junkie athlete knows how to beat a PEDs test. Testing clean is about the least plausable evidence the athlete is clean.
Gutless doesn't even come close. I have now watched my last Olympics ever, shame it was a nice idea.
6
I bet you said the same thing when Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France for the fourth time.
Without doping.
Without doping.
Without doping.
OK, I was doping.
Without doping.
Without doping.
Without doping.
OK, I was doping.
3
Most of us who found out that Armstrong was doping were more than happy to see whatever consequences we laid on him and any involved in it. The key difference here is that this is (and in likelyhood continuing) STATE sponsored doping. Not an individual, not a corporation - the nation of Russia chose to do this and lent the power of government to the work they did. Putin has one goal, restore Russia to same status it had before the breakup of the USSR. He will spend and do whatever it takes to achieve that.
2
I did. And I have not watched one since. Lance Armstrong is a serial liar, megalomaniac, and fraud. I am surprised Trump did not tag him for VP hpnours!
The Putin-paid trolls are out in full force, doing their master's bidding. Times are tough in Russia i heard but still, to sell your soul for a gangster/KGB thug and a tiny paycheck, how pathetic. The Russian paid apologists, defending Putin, Russia, and their invasion and takeover of Eastern Ukraine and Crimea, their backing of Syria's murderous Assad. Corruption to high heaven. How about the powers that be cancel the World Cup set for 2018? Too chicken or corrupt to do even that for Russia's transgressions.
13
I will be eagerly watching how many medals will your Uki patriots haul in.
I think a big fat double zero will do.
I think a big fat double zero will do.
1
The good news is that your Russians will not get any! Slava Ukraine!
2
The IOC once again displays its corruption, now accompanied by cowardice. Investigators demonstrated unambiguously that a state carried out a secret policy in service of doping. The state, therefore, should be punished: a 8-year total ban would seem appropriate. Too bad for the few clean athletes, but without such a punishment, the state will figure out craftier ways to do the same thing in the future.
7
@Chris- we're both on the same page here. They're scared of big bully Putin just as the EU was/is scared of him regarding sanctions for his Ukraine transgressions. Beware, the Russian trolls are out in full force, their propaganda is on warp speed. They're targeting anyone who is posting the truth about Russia and Putin.
3
"The state, therefore, should be punished"
Nonsense. Unless the rest of the world gets to punish every American for the illegal invasion of Iraq.
Nonsense. Unless the rest of the world gets to punish every American for the illegal invasion of Iraq.
2
@abo- and Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, Georgia, and takeover of Chechnya and Crimea in addition ot Russia's 60 years support of that dictator family in Syria- Assad.
Russia must be banned from Olympic games no matter what regardless of the doping scandal and political issues. Just because.
Banning Russia from the Olympics entirely would set a very dangerous precedent of discrimination by an ethnic background. First of all, the committee itself recognized that there was not enough proof for condemning Russia on the state-wide doping program - there were only a few dozens of athletes caught on the doping plus the testimony of a whistle blower. And this is it. A trial on a county should not be any different from a trial on a individual. You don't punish the entire ethnic because of the wrongdoing of a few. That would be no justice, but fascism. What scares me most is how effective Western hate campaign was against Russia and how people in this comment section fantasize on how to punish most hurtfully all the Russians. It is very scary how easily people that come from prosperous, peaceful and liberal countries can be manipulated so easily into hating an entire ethnic. Before banning the entire country of Russia how about we do examine with the same harshness and strictness the US and China on state-sponsored doping. Do you actually believe that the US and China, with its all pharmaceutical corporations, don't research secretly any performance enhancement drugs? Half of the comic super heroes were created thanks to the performance enhancement drugs. Doping IS being present in the American culture: in so popular super hero movies and comics. I am not accusing anybody, but it wouldn't hurt to check on more than one country, you know.
5
That 'whistleblower' is a paid defector by another name.
3
You obviously have not read the IP Report of Mr.McLaren who details the cogent evidence which overwhelming proves the extent of the doping scheme. It was all dreamed up and implemented by Russian politicians, government officials, Putin, the FSB, Russian nationanl athletic officials, Russian anti-doping and probably a touch of mafia. Sounds like a recipe for corruption, lying, cheating and fraud perfected by the international gold medallists of cheating - the Russians!
1
That whisleblower defected because her life was in danger, a common occurrance in Russia, if you tell on the cheaters. She was not paid for her information given to Mr.McLaren and not named because of the need to protect her safety. Wasn't the head of the Canadian Communist Party called Waldo. Your trolling skills are both base and basic.
1
Such a shame to not have a blanket ban. Yes, some athletes probably did not dope, but when there is a sophisticated, state-run mechanism for ferrying performance enhancing drugs, repeatedly, then the punishment should affect the whole country's team. It's not as if this was a program designed by a few athletes, all information points to this being designed by Russia and implemented, in part, by KGB agents. Can it be any more absurd?
Yes, of course it can, because the IOC then punted all responsibility for upholding the integrity of the games so as not cut off any potential dollars. The Olympics are seriously tarnished.
Yes, of course it can, because the IOC then punted all responsibility for upholding the integrity of the games so as not cut off any potential dollars. The Olympics are seriously tarnished.
19
The American Congress will now undoubtedly investigate the IOC for one thing or another now that the Americans didn't get what they wanted, an outright ban.
7
The extensive doping happened because at Sochi, Russia ran the doping controls. So simply have two independent labs monitoring all samples. Not having Russian athletes would greatly reduce the worth of the Olympics.
5
The McLaren report says so, but doesn't provide any corroborating evidence, other, than deeming Rodchenkov's allegations credible.
2
I heard McLaren say on radio that they had hard physical evidence of tamperng in the bottles used for the Sochi samples, but "you have to know where to look".
You have clearly misread the McLaren Report, if you read it at all. Nor do you have a clue about the concept of corroboration. Richard McLaren makes it clear that all of the technical and scientific evidence corroborates what Rodchenkov told him. That is what makes him credible. All of the scientific evidence corroborates Rodchenkov and Rodchenkocv corroborates that evidence. Please go back to the Russian embassy in Ottawa from whence you came!
1
I'm sorry to hear that the IOC has not lived up to its role and responsibilities. There is not enough time needed to properly vet some 400 athletes in a consistent manner, leaving the door wide open to false negative and false positive decisions. Clean athletes from many countries will again be deprived of their chance to compete in fair games and for athletes and viewers the Rio Games will be tainted due to mistrust. Russia systematically conducted state-sponsored doping, undermining the integrity of sport and the previous Olympics. It should have been barred from Rio for its actions. The IOC should have sent a clear and unambiguous message to Russia and all countries that such behavior won't be tolerated.
7
I've never understood why a Russian athlete who isn't cheating should be punished just because another Russian athlete is. We wouldn't accept that if it were applied to a non-cheating US athlete.
9
Because the athletes compete as representatives of their nation, not as individuals.
Once again the IOC proves that they are more about making money than keeping the integrity of the Olympics as a fair and equal event. If this was some smaller country that did not bring in much money to the olympics, you can bet that the IOC would have had no problem banning all the athletes from that country from competing. It seems kind of unfair that all these smaller individual sports federations now have to test a bunch of Russian athletes in a very limited amount of time and determine whether or not they should be eligible to participate. It is just a cop-out for the IOC because they will not take the majority of the blame if it later comes out that some of these Russian athletes were still doping, and they will still receive all the extra revenue from the many Russian supporters who will come out to Rio to watch their country compete.
4
Russia-half the country is doped, the other half is drunk before noon.
1
The olympics (lower case intended) is no longer sport. It is a farce. Corruption inside the IOC in awarding the games, corruption in the governments hosting the olympics siphoning public funds into their pockets while building shoddy facilities, discrimination against women athletes with unusual genetic makeup, cheating among judges, putting athletes health at risk with sewage in water venues.
By allowing any Russian athlete to compete, the IOC has made the results of every event tainted. If the IOC is going to allow state sponsored doping, they will surely turn a blind eye to any "star" athlete who is unclean.
I'll be watching the WWE during Olympic coverage. At least they don't pretend they are a real sport.
By allowing any Russian athlete to compete, the IOC has made the results of every event tainted. If the IOC is going to allow state sponsored doping, they will surely turn a blind eye to any "star" athlete who is unclean.
I'll be watching the WWE during Olympic coverage. At least they don't pretend they are a real sport.
16
What cowards.
The IOC has officially joined FIFA in its level of corruption.
The IOC has officially joined FIFA in its level of corruption.
21
The IOC are cowards.
Period.
Period.
9
This is so much more important than the DNC manipulations agains Bernie Sanders!
Which has been in every other news outlet for two days. Love the big photo too.! Way to go, NYT.
Which has been in every other news outlet for two days. Love the big photo too.! Way to go, NYT.
3
First they came for georgia and I said nothing because I was not a georgian...
Then they came for...
... Crimea
... MH17
... FIFA world cup
... Euro state-sponsored hooliganism
... Eastern Ukraine
... the Olympics
and the ethical cowardice of the west again carries the day for Putin.
Meanwhile, has anybody noticed that there has been NOT ONE article in the Russian press expressing any sort of curiosity or outrage about the state sponsored doping program run by Russia? This alone should have sealed the reality that Russia is not ready to rejoin the world of civilized nations at any level.
Then they came for...
... Crimea
... MH17
... FIFA world cup
... Euro state-sponsored hooliganism
... Eastern Ukraine
... the Olympics
and the ethical cowardice of the west again carries the day for Putin.
Meanwhile, has anybody noticed that there has been NOT ONE article in the Russian press expressing any sort of curiosity or outrage about the state sponsored doping program run by Russia? This alone should have sealed the reality that Russia is not ready to rejoin the world of civilized nations at any level.
22
Care to read The Moscow Times? It is in ENGLISH and extremely critical of pretty much everything that goes on in Russia.
1
Yes, that's right - the Moscow Times is a small circulation English language newspaper that the Kremlin tolerates as a Potemkin show of free speech. However, even they have had zero curiosity about the technical details of the Russian state sponsored cheating scheme. Now - I ask you - in between the accusations that the NSA, CIA and other usual suspects are responsible for thwarting Russia's ambitions to build a multipolar world or whatever Duginist nonsense they are peddling this week, where in any Russian language publication or tv channel of any sort has there been an expression of outrage or curiosity about the nature and extent of the russian cheating as would be the case in any country in the civilized world?
4
Why would anyone take Russian athletes seriously, ever again? There will be a taint over them for a generation. The suspicion of doping will hang over them. If I were an athlete in Russia, I would emigrate as soon as I could.
I don't get why Russian felt they could get away with it. Eventually they were going to get caught. What was the great advantage that Russia saw in cheating? If it were national pride, couldn't they figure out that whenever they would be caught (which was inevitable) the downside was larger than the upside?
As for my plans - I have no interest in watching the Brazilian screwup, Russians or not.
I don't get why Russian felt they could get away with it. Eventually they were going to get caught. What was the great advantage that Russia saw in cheating? If it were national pride, couldn't they figure out that whenever they would be caught (which was inevitable) the downside was larger than the upside?
As for my plans - I have no interest in watching the Brazilian screwup, Russians or not.
11
Do you seriously, I mean SERIOUSLY believe, that Russia is the ONLY country, where top athletes are doping?
You can't be this blindfolded.
Of course doping is bad, it is universally bad. Cheaters, be it individuals, or states should ALL be punished, not only those, who for some reason don't appear to be friendly to the US.
You can't be this blindfolded.
Of course doping is bad, it is universally bad. Cheaters, be it individuals, or states should ALL be punished, not only those, who for some reason don't appear to be friendly to the US.
2
Two wrongs don't make a right.
Waldo, just because some athletes in other countries dope and cheat does not mean one turns a blind eye to the pervasive and proven doping in Russia. Your logic is vacuous!
1
Obama and his Cold War games. Let's run the numbers and see how political this decision is. A defector with a book and movie deal accused all Russian athletes cheated in the London Olympics. The IOC retested the backup sample stored from London and found 32 athlete from 12 countries cheated (IOC did not released the name and nationality of the athletes so no detailed breakdown). IOC then proceeded to ban the entire Russian team of about 400 athletes.
Now let's assume the worst scenario that the 32 athlete from 12 countries are 21 Russian and 11 from the other 11 nations. It means about 5% of the Russian team doped while the other 95% (380 athletes), did not. Do you think it is fair that an entire team is banned because up to 5% of athletes doped? If that's the case Yankee probably wouldn't play any game in the last 10 years.
There is an NYTimes article from about a year ago that gave breakdown doping by nationality. I don't remember from what game but NATO allies such as France and Turkey both have higher rates of doping than Russia. Russia just have more elite athlete so more doping in absolute number.
Now let's assume the worst scenario that the 32 athlete from 12 countries are 21 Russian and 11 from the other 11 nations. It means about 5% of the Russian team doped while the other 95% (380 athletes), did not. Do you think it is fair that an entire team is banned because up to 5% of athletes doped? If that's the case Yankee probably wouldn't play any game in the last 10 years.
There is an NYTimes article from about a year ago that gave breakdown doping by nationality. I don't remember from what game but NATO allies such as France and Turkey both have higher rates of doping than Russia. Russia just have more elite athlete so more doping in absolute number.
3
Your word choice and grammar speak volumes. Of course you will call others all liars and minimize the reality of continual denial as a Russian standard tactic. No green men in Crimea, no soldiers in Donbas, no Russian weapons sent over the border into Ukraine, and no state-sponsored doping. Cheating, lying, and bribery are as common as vodka to Russia in world morality practices. Good luck on selling this wholesale filthy treacherous behavior as the horrible "West" once again looking to punish poor innocent Russia.
5
Other, than foaming at the mouth, what exactly are you proposing?
@Steve Mandrino from Ljubljana, Slovenia
English is not my native language neither is any "western" language so certainly I am far more unbiased than you can possibly be consider you have some stereotype against of Russian and people that doesn't speaks English natively.
One more thing, do you have anything to refute the numbers I cited or is attacking my English level your only retort?
English is not my native language neither is any "western" language so certainly I am far more unbiased than you can possibly be consider you have some stereotype against of Russian and people that doesn't speaks English natively.
One more thing, do you have anything to refute the numbers I cited or is attacking my English level your only retort?
1
Typical for Stalin-tupe collective punishment. Selecting Russia for such cruel prosecution is definitely politically motivated. Our politicians really missed thrills of the real hot Cold war...
2
So the IOC will have to fairly adjudicate 400 appeals by Russian athletes in 12 days? Of course, by Russian standards, that is more than adequate due process--Stalin or Putin would not have bothered with 11 of those days--or the afternoon of the 12th.
2
That's it for me, done with watching the Olympics for good.
7
Seemingly, scrutiny ended up into evidence that confirmed Russia corruption and doping in Olympic. Even though, they still refused and argued that the action against them is unfair due to "hostages of political has become politically motivated :)". However, if they are not guilty, Russia should convincingly and effectively react to that evidence and prove that accusation is totally biased and subjective.
As article states, It sounds accurate and concise evidence against Russia Athletes. Simply, they disregards and overpasses the international Laws, therefore, they deserved the complete ban.
As article states, It sounds accurate and concise evidence against Russia Athletes. Simply, they disregards and overpasses the international Laws, therefore, they deserved the complete ban.
4
That 'evidence' was never presented, only was deemed to be 'credible', but not disclosed, nor corroborated.
Huge difference.
Huge difference.
The IOC has failed its responsibility to protect the integrity, honor and spirit of the Olympic Games. By passing the burden of decision-making to the governing bodies of individual sports that are not equipped to administer the process that the IOC has demanded of them, there can no longer be a Rio Olympics untainted by the doping of Russian athletes. We will never know what Russian athletes benefitted from years of doping when they compete. No Russian medal will have meaning, but any Russian medal will tarnish the experience of every dope-free athlete at the Rio Games.
In addition, by not moving the Sochi Olympics to a nation that recently hosted the games, the IOC is making a mockery of the Olympics itself. It will become even easier in Sochi for Russia's decade-old state-sponsored doping network to continue with their disgraceful tactics.
In addition, by not moving the Sochi Olympics to a nation that recently hosted the games, the IOC is making a mockery of the Olympics itself. It will become even easier in Sochi for Russia's decade-old state-sponsored doping network to continue with their disgraceful tactics.
6
I bet, if you dug deep, you would find doping in Beijing, Salt Lake City, Vancouver, Seoul, just to name a few.
Get real.
Get real.
1
Thomas Bach should resign. He and the IOC have completly abdicated their responsibility to to fight doping. I have notived in the news many Russian athletes whining about how unfair the IOC is, WADA, and the IAAF. It is not those organizations who are doping it is the athletes facilitated by the most corrupt athletics federation in the world.
Russian coaches, trainers, athletic officials, government officials, mafia, spies - i.e. the FSB are clearly guilty of creating a system of cheating, lying, prevaricating, obfuscating, fraud and corruption. It is they against whom Russian "athletes" (chemical freaks) should be complaining, but they have no guts. I don't blame the athletes because in Russia if you don't tow the Putin line on down the hierarchy, you get dropped, marginalized, black listed, go to jail or even possibly get killed.
This is a disgrace and I will not be watching the Olympics where a gong show of juiced athletes compete for a tawdry chunk of metal and faux fame. Consumers must boycott every hypocritical sponsor of the games. It is time to scrap the Olympics for good!
Russian coaches, trainers, athletic officials, government officials, mafia, spies - i.e. the FSB are clearly guilty of creating a system of cheating, lying, prevaricating, obfuscating, fraud and corruption. It is they against whom Russian "athletes" (chemical freaks) should be complaining, but they have no guts. I don't blame the athletes because in Russia if you don't tow the Putin line on down the hierarchy, you get dropped, marginalized, black listed, go to jail or even possibly get killed.
This is a disgrace and I will not be watching the Olympics where a gong show of juiced athletes compete for a tawdry chunk of metal and faux fame. Consumers must boycott every hypocritical sponsor of the games. It is time to scrap the Olympics for good!
6
You got it right: the Games are but a show of juiced athletes competing for a tawdry chunk of metal.
But that means ALL athletes, not just Russians, right?
But that means ALL athletes, not just Russians, right?
1
No that is not what I mean. Russians cheating is axiomatic. Chinese cheating is axiomatic. Other countries is on a case by case basis!
1
So many naive apologists here for Russian gangsterism. This is the same mentality I encountered during my 19 years in the Gulf Middle East, when I knew so many Westerners who essentially said everything American was bad and everything Arab was good--yes, they were that politically correct and simple-minded.
6
Remembering Lancaster's wonderful film portrayal of the man, I just reread Jim Thorpe's life as recounted in Wikipedia.
That he was stripped of his medals for a triviality, but the Russian medal winners from Sochi whose specimens, now retested, prove they were doping, are permitted to retain theirs -- is unconscionable.
That he was stripped of his medals for a triviality, but the Russian medal winners from Sochi whose specimens, now retested, prove they were doping, are permitted to retain theirs -- is unconscionable.
35
Why didn't the ultra conservative Olympic committee take back/ disqualify the metals from those who were found doping? The metals rightly belong to the Norwegians and/or the person(s) who came in second place. They worked very hard and deserve the recognition for what they accomplished.
39
Give it a rest already. Russians only won one gold (out of 12) and 5 total medals in cross-country skiing in Sochi. Norwegians won five and 11 total medals.
What's new?
More outrageous Russia bashing at the behest of the venal group of neo-conservatives, mostly in the USA, with influence over international organizations, who have been attacking Russia, Russians and in particular Mr Putin since the disintegration of the soviet system 25 years ago.
For that group apparently war-making is the only answer to anything and everything.
More outrageous Russia bashing at the behest of the venal group of neo-conservatives, mostly in the USA, with influence over international organizations, who have been attacking Russia, Russians and in particular Mr Putin since the disintegration of the soviet system 25 years ago.
For that group apparently war-making is the only answer to anything and everything.
5
No! Reporting the facts is not Russia-bashing.
6
And if you're so enchanted with that country, Mr. Murray, why wouldn't you relocate there to stay far away from these awful "neo-conservatives"? I'm sure you'll be most welcome by the Russian Junta just as another US hater, Mr. Snowden had been.
1
Right you are. And there are so many shameful facts to report!
The USOC is as corrupt and morally bankrupt as the Russian team.
10
whoops, that should read the "IOC".
No, Dede has it right…the USOC…a corrupt wheel of US foreign policy stooges - mostly Democrats - with the random Neo-Con thrown in on the board for good measure - all lobbying the IOC to hound Putin out of the games. And throw out his athletes, just to make it look fair and balanced.
1
The only question is how much the International Olympic Committee was paid or promised by Russia in order to cave in such an overt manner.
23
One thoroughly corrupt organization, the IOC, passes judgement on another one, the Russian government, but leaves it to individual sports federations to scramble to decide on individual athletes in an impossibly short time frame.
And sadly, while I'm sure NBC and other media outlets will mention this scandal in their coverage of the Olympics, in the interest of profits they'll largely gloss over the corruption at the heart of the event.
You can't help but feel for the many innocent athletes, including at least a few Russians, whose careers aim toward participating in a tainted competition. Perhaps the best way, the only way, to deal with this mess while still honoring those athletes is to sweep out the old and start again from scratch. That is, start a movement (including the political advocacy and legal changes necessary) that establishes a new organization with new rules and personnel, untainted by the the Olympic cartel.
And sadly, while I'm sure NBC and other media outlets will mention this scandal in their coverage of the Olympics, in the interest of profits they'll largely gloss over the corruption at the heart of the event.
You can't help but feel for the many innocent athletes, including at least a few Russians, whose careers aim toward participating in a tainted competition. Perhaps the best way, the only way, to deal with this mess while still honoring those athletes is to sweep out the old and start again from scratch. That is, start a movement (including the political advocacy and legal changes necessary) that establishes a new organization with new rules and personnel, untainted by the the Olympic cartel.
8
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/25/sports/olympics/rio-russia-ban-doping....
I feel as if the Russian athletes should not be able to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games. The athletes tarnished their country's reputation. The athletes used performance enhanced drugs to try and better their chances at doing well in their particular field. I don't understand why whether or not they should compete is even a question. Without any doubt the Russians should not be able to compete. They should be punished by their poor actions, and it isn't fair for the other athletes to compete against them while they gave themselves an advantage with the drugs they used.
I feel as if the Russian athletes should not be able to compete in the 2016 Olympic Games. The athletes tarnished their country's reputation. The athletes used performance enhanced drugs to try and better their chances at doing well in their particular field. I don't understand why whether or not they should compete is even a question. Without any doubt the Russians should not be able to compete. They should be punished by their poor actions, and it isn't fair for the other athletes to compete against them while they gave themselves an advantage with the drugs they used.
6
You're missing the point! There are numerous athletes worldwide who used one or another PED. However in this case it was the Government set and run program. I suspect that many Russian athletes had no choice but to participate in the program. There would be at least two consequences should one refuses:
A probable loss of any material support and at best the necessity to compete in trials against their knowingly cheating peers in order to get on the team.
It is the Russian government that must carry most of the blame.
A probable loss of any material support and at best the necessity to compete in trials against their knowingly cheating peers in order to get on the team.
It is the Russian government that must carry most of the blame.
1
Why weren't some stored US samples examined? Oh! Now I understand! -- if US samples from previous Games were shown to be dirty, the anti-Russia campaign wouldn't have worked.
4
What's good for the goose, is frequently not so good for the gander. US doping sample…oops…lost, like the Hillary Brands® emails.
1
Let russians compete but the are banned from literally being awarded medals for platform and national anthem ceremony
2
Watching the Winter Olympics in Sochi two years ago when Russian skiers were beating the heavily favored Norwegians handily I assumed they were doping. Norwegians generously blamed it on the ski wax they were using. I wish there were a total ban since this was state sanctioned and the state must be motivated to stop it rather encourage and condone it.
44
How could doping help a skier?
Grand slalom: it's all about gravity and body movement.
Ski jumping? Ditto.
Maybe cross-country endurance, but not much else.
Grand slalom: it's all about gravity and body movement.
Ski jumping? Ditto.
Maybe cross-country endurance, but not much else.
@waldo - cross country. Same as with biking.
1
Endurance is crucial in cross-country skiing, as well as in speed skating
1
Of course the IOC is corrupt. The Olympics are too expensive and saddle the cities with too much long term depth. The main reason for the Olympics is to replace real wars with nationalistic spectacles and create a framework for athletes to exist and earn a living until they are too old to compete. Then hopefully to move on into the sport bureaucracy for each sport in the various countries, so they can continue having a job of sorts until they retire - and so on in a sort of perpetual motion machine of people who need to exist in this athletic universes. The rest of us (non-athletes) are there to consume and support this machine. Keep on consuming your sport - it keeps many people employed - some more, some less.
3
the only posssible reason to watch it this year to laugh at tiny russian team.
2
Russia has been shown to have corrupted an entire Olympic games at Sochi.
Just what do you have to do to get thrown out?
Just what do you have to do to get thrown out?
10
You can start by applying the exact same strict standards to everyone else; you will be surprised, how many countries could/would be caught in the net.
But that would not be politically expedient, right?
But that would not be politically expedient, right?
3
My feeling is to call off the Olympics in this mosquito infested, debt ridden, governmentally corrupt country.
Watching documentaries on Zika and microcephaly, antibiotic proof filthy waterways and presidential impeachment all occurring tin the country of choice leads me to believe that what was once an honorable event for AMATEUR athletes is now just a profit making machine for corrupt governments, advertisers and NBC. Enough already.
In simplest terms when the most sugar laden drink is a major sponsor of an athletic event it loses complete credibility.The ancient Greeks are turning over in their sarcophagi.
Watching documentaries on Zika and microcephaly, antibiotic proof filthy waterways and presidential impeachment all occurring tin the country of choice leads me to believe that what was once an honorable event for AMATEUR athletes is now just a profit making machine for corrupt governments, advertisers and NBC. Enough already.
In simplest terms when the most sugar laden drink is a major sponsor of an athletic event it loses complete credibility.The ancient Greeks are turning over in their sarcophagi.
28
This decision is shameful -The IOC (like FIFA) has allows politics (read Russia and allies) to influence it duty to promote clean athletics. The DRUG PROMOTING Russian flag will fly, and drug sponsered Russian will take medals from honest athletes.
BUT THE MOST SHAMEFUL OF ALL, is the banning of the Russian whistle-blower, Yuliya Stepanova. Putin I am sure made a call to IOC Bach and made a back deal on this one.
BUT THE MOST SHAMEFUL OF ALL, is the banning of the Russian whistle-blower, Yuliya Stepanova. Putin I am sure made a call to IOC Bach and made a back deal on this one.
30
She wasn't banned; she was not allowed to run under a 'neutral' flag. Big difference.
1
And I am sure she will be named to the Russian team! Give your head a shake!
1
pyric victory for putin. he will have only 68 athletes at most, instead of the usual 500. sounds like something FIFA would do.
2
Against a backdrop of prevasive corruption, how exactly does one prove one's innocence?
2
Preventing one nation from participating would just foster more ill relations between nations, since the purpose of the Olympics is to bring countries together with the comradery of sports. The punishment handed down to the Russians is sufficient since it is still preventing athletes who did dope from participating in the Olympics. If all Russian athletes were not allowed to participate, it would be an injustice to the athletes who did not dope. All of their hard work and determination would go down the drain. While it is understandable that many feel that the punishment may not be harsh enough, the issue is not about the politics. It is about globalization and forming relationships that look past nationality, race and religion. While politics are important, the Olympics are a way for us to put those issues aside. Politics will always exist along with wars, grudges, and disagreements. The Olympics serve as a way for us to remind ourselves of the beauty of a world without tensions. Hopefully, this incident will serve as a reminder for all nations to protect the ideological purity of the event.
4
Do you honestly think there are athletes in Russia who are clean? The Olympics is nothing but a proxy war between communist (China), authoritarian dictator oligarchies (Russia) and so called clean Western nations exmplified by the USA. You are wearing rose tinted glasses if you think the Olympics has anything to do with the "beauty" of the world. The Olympics is all about greed, status, fame, money, endorsements - in otherwords all the baser elements of the world. The IOC is complicit in this mess because they have no leadership just like most international sporting orgs!
2
The purpose of the Olys is to make money. And what is this ideological purity you speak of? The IOC is corrupt. So is Brazil. Rio has been transformed into a militarized zone. There's no money for schools or hospitals. Violent crime is way up.
The view you describe is the result of carefully orchestrated propaganda. Please read at least one of the analyses on what happens in a city as it prepares to host such a mega-event. Ideological purity is not what drives decision-making.
The view you describe is the result of carefully orchestrated propaganda. Please read at least one of the analyses on what happens in a city as it prepares to host such a mega-event. Ideological purity is not what drives decision-making.
Before the doping Russia, then the USSR essentially fielded professional athletes -- athletes they trained at state expense. They were cheating then an no one did -- excuse me "squat". Now they have state sponsored doping.
Russian athletes active parties to all of this all the time. Those who turned a blind eye were, and are equally complicit.
The message must be sent that such behavior will no longer be tolerated. A complete ban is the only fitting response.
Russian athletes active parties to all of this all the time. Those who turned a blind eye were, and are equally complicit.
The message must be sent that such behavior will no longer be tolerated. A complete ban is the only fitting response.
9
Jim Thorpe, a fantastic American athlete, had to return his his two gold medals because he was paid money to play for a semi-pro baseball. Semi-pro, whatever the hell that means. His medals were restored 30 years after his death. Jesse Owens had to overcome Hitler's animosity and "fixing" commands to win his gold medals. Now, everybody cheats. There is no honor in sport and the Olympics which were created to display amateurism and love of sport are simply all about money. That is why there is doping. Hold the Olympics in Kansas at a good high school facility and ban television.
13
Actually, it was a politically intelligent ruling that still protects the Olympics without explicitly and forever destroying individuals or national interests.
Smart move.
Smart move.
3
Richard, please tell us where, and if, you maintain a moral compass. From what you say, time after time, it is indiscernible.
2
Jack:
Right back atcha. Your concept of moral rectitude is your own; and if I didn't know better I'd be convinced that it came from an evangelical pulpit ... or from your own personal burning bush (immensely more likely). These are people's lives we're talking about, which were dedicated from an early age to enormous effort and sacrifice that they might compete effectively. They still need to apply and prove they're drug-free. If they are, why SHOULDN'T they compete?
Right back atcha. Your concept of moral rectitude is your own; and if I didn't know better I'd be convinced that it came from an evangelical pulpit ... or from your own personal burning bush (immensely more likely). These are people's lives we're talking about, which were dedicated from an early age to enormous effort and sacrifice that they might compete effectively. They still need to apply and prove they're drug-free. If they are, why SHOULDN'T they compete?
When watching the Rio Olympics try not to think of the hundreds of thousands of people living in abject poverty just minutes from the billion dollar venues.
60
How likely are these lower-level sports organizations to exclude any Russian athletes? This has the whiff of the central organization sloughing off its responsibilities to lower levels.
6
Forget the athletes; ban the IOC!
27
A complete ban of Russian athletes may not be fair to those that followed the rules but it would've sent a message to the world that state sponsored cheating is not allowed- whether it's Russia or the United States.
This just shows that the IOC is corrupt and will always be corrupt. They may not have been bought this time but there's no doubt that their eyes were still on the money (revenue) that they'll make from Russian broadcast fees and sponsors.
This just shows that the IOC is corrupt and will always be corrupt. They may not have been bought this time but there's no doubt that their eyes were still on the money (revenue) that they'll make from Russian broadcast fees and sponsors.
87
who cares fare or not? Russia must be banned no matter what.
2
There is no way IOC can ban doping sportsmen or sportswoman from USA to compete in Olympic games or any competitions. Story of US the most famous bicyclist and many more https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_doping_cases_in_cycling
somehow did not generated a call for excluding entire country from competing.
It would be interesting to know what Serena takes, but we may learn in from here memoirs published only after her death. But expelling all Russians from Olympic game seems as a fair game - they actually can win quite a few medals! Stinks.
somehow did not generated a call for excluding entire country from competing.
It would be interesting to know what Serena takes, but we may learn in from here memoirs published only after her death. But expelling all Russians from Olympic game seems as a fair game - they actually can win quite a few medals! Stinks.
If they allowed doping of all athletes, honesty would finally be accomplished. I think they're all doing it, so they may as well get it out in the open and be done with it.
3
That is a wimpy cop out.
And no, they are NOT "all doing it".
And only Russia (and perhaps China) have official State sponsored, promoted and facilitated doping of athletes.
You must be a liberal Democrat, as you have that mentality.
And no, they are NOT "all doing it".
And only Russia (and perhaps China) have official State sponsored, promoted and facilitated doping of athletes.
You must be a liberal Democrat, as you have that mentality.
4
Let's just start with Mark McGuire, Sammy Sosa, Lyle Alzado, half of baseball, football, etc. This isn't about Democrats or Republicans, it about honesty. As far as being a wimp, name calling is always the last resort of a weak mind.
3
The IOC & the Olympic should be put out of business. The corruption of money runs too deep.
It would also help to boycott the Olympic's major sponsors like, Coke, McDonald's, Visa. Let's see id NYT will sensor this posting again.
It would also help to boycott the Olympic's major sponsors like, Coke, McDonald's, Visa. Let's see id NYT will sensor this posting again.
32
I remember talking to a guy in Russia who said that people in Russia tend to respect anyone who gets rich -- regardless of how they got rich. It seems clear that the same principle applies to winning.
30
It is a highly ingrained cultural mentality/reality there.
Even lying and cheating/fraud/deceit is looked on as normal. Almost like a prideful thing to be proud of to be a really good liar/deceiver in order to get some kind of gain/money/power/position - in all aspects of life/ business/relations.
Even pre Soviet Russian writers wrote about it....one of the many odd things about Russia.....reminds me of the famous Churchill quote about enigma/mystery/puzzle.
Even lying and cheating/fraud/deceit is looked on as normal. Almost like a prideful thing to be proud of to be a really good liar/deceiver in order to get some kind of gain/money/power/position - in all aspects of life/ business/relations.
Even pre Soviet Russian writers wrote about it....one of the many odd things about Russia.....reminds me of the famous Churchill quote about enigma/mystery/puzzle.
4
The respect and open admiration for those who got rich is the highest in America; Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Zuckerberg, Buffet, etc. etc.
4
I know may Russians, those living in Russia and many expatriates. None expresses such a sentiment regarding "getting rich". Most are in fact appalled at the theft of soviet assets by the oligarchs and by the money-is-everything culture of the USA. Most are also livid at the abuse that USA neo-conservatives in control of USA foreign policy have been directing towards anything Russian. This latest assault on Russian athletics and athletes being just the latest in what is now a long series of such.
2
I am so naive when it comes to the Olympics. This is all politics, right? Why not just let everyone take what they want and study what sort of human beings emerge. They may not be honest, but won't they be strong and beautiful?
1
Because it will trickle down to tour children and then the people stealing from children's sports can also make money pushing drugs!
2
Sure, but I am not sure that would be a new market.
Russian cheating at the Olympics is a minor story as compared to Russian take over of GOP and the political process in the US.
When is the media going to wake up and smell the coffee on our wannabe fascist leader's ties to Russia?
Break in by Russians at DNC should have clinched the obvious story on why Trump is running for President- He is bought and paid for by the Russian oligarchs and Putin as well. He has curried favor with them for years; and Don Jr. admitted in 2008 that Russian money was flowing into the Trump empire and a substantial part of their debt- then. . His tax returns and his businesses' returns would probably tell us how much. Where is the media on this?
No alarm bells when for the first time since 1953 not a mention in Trump's speech of Russia, embargoes, frozen accounts or daily challenges by Russia to our ships and planes no to mention the military adventure by Putin in Ukraine and Syria. Instead Trump blows a kiss to Putin and says he may abandon NATO.
He is putting every American at risk with his ties to Russia and this paper and others just snooze on.
Don Jr. and his brother need to do the right thing and go to the feds like Madoff's sons did.
When is the media going to wake up and smell the coffee on our wannabe fascist leader's ties to Russia?
Break in by Russians at DNC should have clinched the obvious story on why Trump is running for President- He is bought and paid for by the Russian oligarchs and Putin as well. He has curried favor with them for years; and Don Jr. admitted in 2008 that Russian money was flowing into the Trump empire and a substantial part of their debt- then. . His tax returns and his businesses' returns would probably tell us how much. Where is the media on this?
No alarm bells when for the first time since 1953 not a mention in Trump's speech of Russia, embargoes, frozen accounts or daily challenges by Russia to our ships and planes no to mention the military adventure by Putin in Ukraine and Syria. Instead Trump blows a kiss to Putin and says he may abandon NATO.
He is putting every American at risk with his ties to Russia and this paper and others just snooze on.
Don Jr. and his brother need to do the right thing and go to the feds like Madoff's sons did.
43
Oh my God A Democratic McCarthyist filled with media fueled hate for Russia. I even read comments here by Hillary supporters saying they would support a military coup against a Trump presidency (just as a majority supported the military coup attempt in Turkey against the clear wishes of the majority of Turkish people and ZERO compassion for the 250 murdered civilians killed unarmed civilians.
Reading the comments here is like reading FOX. Ignorance , prejudice and paranoia. I have been accuse dof being a Putin bot (despite disliking the man and his authoritarianism by those who hate questioning OUR propaganda and media manipulations. Turkey may wrongly arrest more journalists but Egypt tortures and kills more (even worse!).
Frankly both sides in this election stink of fascism and militarism. Our elections stink. I will miss Obama's nuanced look at reality and fear the spread of certain ignorance whether from those who support the facists Trump Oligarchy or the Elite appointed Hillary.
You have nothing but contempt for truth or reason and you represent the 'educated' sheeple. Just like trump supporters. Scary.
Without Sanders and with Hillary already abandoning her promises to him and leaning right already. We are in deep trouble as your liberal prejudice matches the conservative one's (non white nations cannot handle democracy and need a Mussolini, Pinochet, Sisi (or the secular hero Attaturk, who in WW I along with his fellow Pasha's ran the Armenian genocide!
Reading the comments here is like reading FOX. Ignorance , prejudice and paranoia. I have been accuse dof being a Putin bot (despite disliking the man and his authoritarianism by those who hate questioning OUR propaganda and media manipulations. Turkey may wrongly arrest more journalists but Egypt tortures and kills more (even worse!).
Frankly both sides in this election stink of fascism and militarism. Our elections stink. I will miss Obama's nuanced look at reality and fear the spread of certain ignorance whether from those who support the facists Trump Oligarchy or the Elite appointed Hillary.
You have nothing but contempt for truth or reason and you represent the 'educated' sheeple. Just like trump supporters. Scary.
Without Sanders and with Hillary already abandoning her promises to him and leaning right already. We are in deep trouble as your liberal prejudice matches the conservative one's (non white nations cannot handle democracy and need a Mussolini, Pinochet, Sisi (or the secular hero Attaturk, who in WW I along with his fellow Pasha's ran the Armenian genocide!
4
State actors in Russia hacked the Democratic party's email server in order to influence America's presidential election in favor of Donald Trump.
Trump's political campaign manager Paul Manafort has represented dictators around the world, including pro-Russian politicians in the Ukraine.
http://www.politifact.com/global-news/article/2016/may/02/paul-manafort-...
Donald Trump is calling for the US to leave NATO, allow nuclear proliferation, and exit trade policies that benefit the global economy but do not include Russia.
Trump is attempting to turn us against our NATO allies while seeking approval from dictators like Putin and Kim Jong-un.
Instead of yet another investigation of Benghazi, Congress, the NSA and the CIA should investigate Russia's efforts to influence the American election.
Russia just doesn't fix sporting events.
Trump's political campaign manager Paul Manafort has represented dictators around the world, including pro-Russian politicians in the Ukraine.
http://www.politifact.com/global-news/article/2016/may/02/paul-manafort-...
Donald Trump is calling for the US to leave NATO, allow nuclear proliferation, and exit trade policies that benefit the global economy but do not include Russia.
Trump is attempting to turn us against our NATO allies while seeking approval from dictators like Putin and Kim Jong-un.
Instead of yet another investigation of Benghazi, Congress, the NSA and the CIA should investigate Russia's efforts to influence the American election.
Russia just doesn't fix sporting events.
96
Rather, the DNC got caught red-handed. Or we can blame Russians.
2
Scott,
I wonder why Russia cares about the DNC? Appears they have a favorite candidate.
I wonder why Russia cares about the DNC? Appears they have a favorite candidate.
1
David Parsons: A little critical thinking is very helpful.
This whole game about dishonesty in the Olympics would be laughable if it wasn't so sinister. The Olympics have become no more than payback when government officials help the top 1% global financial elite predatory capitalists take over governments for private profit - and the rest of us wind up picking up the tab. Rio was a stupid choice as an Olympic venue and there is no logical explanation, other than corruption and graft, that they are being held there at great peril to athletes who want to compete honestly at an international level. Time for the Olympics to end.
46
As I already said: money wins out everytime! It always has and it always will. When the Russians give the IOC lots of money then the game's are on! It doesn't matter what the whizquiz shows. Game on!
6
Maybe the IOC thought is better to accept Russian $bribes$ then to receive polonium tea??
4
"Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence. In other words, it is war minus the shooting."
George Orwell
Harsh words, but with state sponsored doping, stadium violence, match fixing, and the sports world awash in money, it's becoming more and more difficult to believe that honest and dedicated competitors still exist.
George Orwell
Harsh words, but with state sponsored doping, stadium violence, match fixing, and the sports world awash in money, it's becoming more and more difficult to believe that honest and dedicated competitors still exist.
6
For many years, I have watched hours and hours of Olympic coverage. I don't plan to this year.
I think the Russians cheated and it being state sponsored makes it worse. But I also think lots of athletes from other countries cheat. So what is the point?
Is it world's best athlete in each sport or world's best doper?
I think the Russians cheated and it being state sponsored makes it worse. But I also think lots of athletes from other countries cheat. So what is the point?
Is it world's best athlete in each sport or world's best doper?
6
One possible tactic might be for individuals to boycott viewing the games, and advise NBC and the major corporations planning to advertise during the games of that decision. The Rio games are turning out to be a real dog and pony show.
2
Olympics is suppose to be unite the nations even if there is political differences. Banning a nation from Olympics will make this whole sports bad.
6
I agree that all nations should be allowed to participate. The olympics definitely encompasses politics. To ban a nation does not make the 'sports bad' but it would definitely have a negative effect on nations. Let them play and do tests on everyone.
4
Obviously you do not know the difference between an individual athlete who cheats and an entire national sports team that cheats pursuant to an official Government Sponsored, Facilitated and Promoted Doping scheme for ALL Athletes!
6
yes, do tests on everyone, not the only Russians
2
Everyone knows Russian dope is more unfair than other nations' dope.
And the Tour de France's dope is running right now, so it must be fair.
The Olympics are stupid.
And the Tour de France's dope is running right now, so it must be fair.
The Olympics are stupid.
5
State sponsored juicing of their athletes in a wholesale manner that is proven. The Olympic officials responsible for responding to this outrage have no balls.
5
I've enjoyed every Olympics since 1956 but this may be the first games that I don't watch. It is a terrible decision to have deliberately waited so long to render judgement on the Russians. As noted most athletic federations are ill equipped to handle screening of this magnitude. Bach is a moneyed hypocrite. Equal justice? How about justice for the medal winners screwed out of a medal? Competition is wonderful and the achievements are breathtaking. But for those athletes playing clean the Olympics are a travesty.
5
Russia illegally seizes Crimea and initiates a civil war in Ukraine?
The EU imposes weak sanctions against Russia.
Russia shoots down a civilian airliner killing hundreds?
No sanctions of any kind.
Russia runs a doping ring?
Minimal sanctions against some athletes.
But not to fear, Russia.
G.O.P. presidential candidate Donald Trump says he admires Vlad Putin and that if Russia invades our NATO allies, President Trump may not upheld the U.S. commitment to defend our NATO allies.
Signed,
Russians for Trump
The EU imposes weak sanctions against Russia.
Russia shoots down a civilian airliner killing hundreds?
No sanctions of any kind.
Russia runs a doping ring?
Minimal sanctions against some athletes.
But not to fear, Russia.
G.O.P. presidential candidate Donald Trump says he admires Vlad Putin and that if Russia invades our NATO allies, President Trump may not upheld the U.S. commitment to defend our NATO allies.
Signed,
Russians for Trump
119
What the world must do , when US invaded and destroyed Iraq, Syria, Lybia? What must be the punishment US face when they bombed Doctors without borders in Afghanistan?. Pathetic.
15
I mistakenly gave this a thumbs up. The IOC have made a travesty of this. They are as usual weak, but the worst part is to ban the Whistle blower, who was possibly the only honest Russian athlete. How can it be morally repugnant or poor sportsmanship to show that cheating is going on? I have much less respect for the Olympics going forward. Certainly will not be interested in what the IOC have to say until they prove they can think logically and show some backbone.
1
@Jon- it's called greed. Profits, money trade, natural resources and of course, fear of the big bully- Russia. I said this many times during russia's illegal take over of Crimea and Ukriane invasion- Democracy, freedom, liberty have no place, and takes a back seat to the greed and profit motiives. Putin, Erdogan(no sanctions for his power grab over the years), and possibly Trump. The true "Axis of Evil".
2
The olympics have out grown their utility.
50
If you don't think the IOC is about nothing but money this should put the nail in the coffin. The IOC is a corrupt. To not ban the Russians will only aid the continuing doping programs by countries .
70
Whether or not the IOC is corrupt is another issue. In the meantime, I would hope there are some honest and trustworthy future Olympians in this summer's Russian delegation and that they will be allowed to participate.
14
Let's remember the Olympics were never about sport. They were about getting citizens of countries that might otherwise be shooting machine guns at each other to be shooting javelins or shot puts ...
5
Of course it's all a conspiracy by America -- the same America who has so much control over the IOC it couldn't even get Chicago past the first round of voting. The same America who has absolutely zero influence at UEFA, which recently threatened to expel Russia from the Euro 2016 tournament. The same America that can't even protect its own citizens from its own police (and vice versa).
America is so nefarious, and so powerful, that it even controls things that it doesn't control. How does America do it?!?
America is so nefarious, and so powerful, that it even controls things that it doesn't control. How does America do it?!?
16
You should move to another country if you're so unhappy with your life here.
2
@judith stoler, you are not authorized by the sky daddy to ask a US citizen to move to another country, just because they dont like how the politics work here.
5
A truly despicable comment from Andrew. Having influence at UEFA means corrupt from what we have all seen...As to no influence, then how did all the corruption come to light? Was it a magic wand waved Andrew? As to support from others, that has been shown already. UEFA is on the way out or their corrupt leaders who take money from every possible participant are. And it si not up to America to protect its citizens (whatever America means) -- we have given this power to our police, who for the most part are supported by most Americans. The Police in fact should have more support, fewer guns to deal with (through gun control which has yet to be legislated thanks to a corrupted Congress) and more acknowledgement by communities of violence that they in fact have not admitted occurs in their families and communities. We will always have lawbreakers and most are supported by families, often criminal themselves...so Andrew, just do not understand what your point is. The US has spoken against the IOC weakness and I say they are the ones who have shown weak character in ridding the games of this corruption, they have had to be shown to be complacent and corrupt then themselves by their lack of action and voice, And finally by their refusal to allow the Russian woman who brought this all out (despite these supposed leaders) to participate, condemning her for her tenacity and honesty. What a total disrepute these IOC stooges bring to the Olympics.