There is palpable anger out there about the outrageous Russian doping program. Thanks IOC for nothing. I won't be watching.
3
Collective punishment is seen for being clearly unethical when it's applied to one's own people or loved ones, but that elicits shrugs or even cheers when applied to nameless victims or "adversaries" abroad. It's pretty sorry to see the NYT feeding that narrative.
1
What's also troubling is the tone of this article aimed at Russia. How many Russian athletes will march in the opening ceremony? - "The answer: too many" Save your opinion and political prejudice for the op eds, please. Yes, it is sad and very disappointing for those who doped and put shame on themselves and their country, but it does not mean that the IOC need to punish CLEAN athletes who have a chance to compete and save grace for their country.
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The IOC is no doubt facing heavy politicking from senior Russians in the sporting federations that run the Olympic events to allow in as many Russian athletes is possible. Since individual athletes should not be punished for institutional malfeasance, I think that's o.k. My complaint is that there was supposed to be a ban on internationally organized competitions in Russia, which has been blithely ignored by these same sporting federations. The core of this issue is that Russia took advantage of a 'home' Olympics to conduct a doping scheme, and the price they have paid for it with respect to continuing to host events is zero.
1
India received a 14 month ban for far worse offenses than both US (covering up child molestation) and Russia. I think the Olympics has headed the way of the World Cup -- it's not about being fair and honorable, it's about bringing in cash to the committees.
3
Why shouldn't all semi-professional and professional athletes compete as individuals and eliminate team sports. The USA vs. Jamaca -- who is kidding whom? At least it is time to start handicapping events based on a country's population, location, and the money spent on athletic training. In most sports in the United States, you buy your way onto the team. What inner city African American is going to compete in sailing, skiing, swimming, etc., etc. Only the mega rich can afford the Olympic trainers, the travel schedules, and the multiple other expenses that differentiate this spoiled brats from real people, whether in North Korea, China, or the USA. A few normal people sneak thru, but not many.
2
They are mostly drug abusers, and cheaters. Let them stay home.
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The IOC is anything but an ethical organization wedded to the original Olympic ideals. The only way to deal with them is for ordinary citizens, if they feel strongly enough about the corruption, is not to watch the Olympics on TV. Money talks, while mere morality does not.
1
"Yes, a blanket ban might have hurt some clean Russian athletes, but it would also have been a motivation for future whistle-blowers to come forward. "
And that works how? I see no reason why future whistle-blowers would be interested in a blanket ban.
"That number, depressingly, almost certainly will not be zero." Nothing depressing about it. What depresses me is the American attempt to undermine international sport. If the Americans don't like it, could they just stay home?
1
To quote another commentor... So this half measure, or quarter measure is not going to be enforced. You know, they should stop and think what this means. Every time a Russian athlete pulls away in any race it will be assumed that they have doped. Any video you see of any Russian in history it will be assumed they are a cheater. If the Russians excel, then viewers will turn off their sets. Yes, the Russians won, they got to play in the Olympics. The stain of their doping program will not wash off, ever.
3
If Russian athletes are banned because that nation illegally allowed their 2014 athletes to dope and win golds, then the 2018 athletes are banned.
I'm sorry that clean 2018 Russian athletes pay the price but your nation messed up. An individual does not get a pass if a nation cheats and is penalized by the IOC.
When Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were caught cheating, the NFL did not allow them to compete as "football players representing the Patriots".
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I've had it with the IOC, perhaps the most corrupt organization in the world outside of a number of governments. I am not watching any of it this year. Athletes need to take a stand. Their own interests in competing are superseded by doing the right thing for the future of the olympics.
5
So this half measure, or quarter measure is not going to be enforced. You know, they should stop and think what this means. Every time a Russian athlete pulls away in any race it will be assumed that they have doped. Any video you see of any Russian in history it will be assumed they are a cheater. If the Russians excel, then viewers will turn off their sets. Yes, the Russians won, they got to play in the Olympics. The stain of their doping program will not wash off, ever.
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