Dara Torres-Amazing

If that is indeed the case, then why do they even have an appeals process? It would be far simpler and cheaper to say "If you test positive on your A and B samples, you are guilty, no appeals, no chance to challenge it and we will mail you your sentence. Have a nice day." A process like that would also save a lot of time and money in the criminal justice system as well. The evidence is strongly against her, but why not wait for the process put in place to protect the athlete to deliver the final "verdict" before potentially trashing her life? There have been instances where samples were mislabelled or chain-of-custody was violated or there were questionable positives, etc. -LBJ True, but this isn't the criminal justice system and we're past the initial "trial" stage under FINA rules. They can't undo her "enhanced" races or her edge over her competitors. A failed test results in suspension. That was my point. So we're onto the next stage of the proceedings, where the burden of proof shifts to her and an irregularity may be discovered. (Like all appeals, the burden is heavy.) I just consider an irregularity unlikely, although admittedly not impossible. I think it's far more likely that she intentionally ingested clenbuterol to gain an edge. Just stating my prediction. If I'm wrong, I'll say I'm wrong. Right now my sympathies are with the women denied an Olympic berth. I read today that Kirk still plans to sue USA Swimming. My comments are not emotionally driven. They are based on my understanding of the rules, my dislike of cheaters and my cynicism about drug use in sports. More logic, than emotion. Now the Smiths ...

If that is indeed the case, then why do they even have an appeals process? It would be far simpler and cheaper to say "If you test positive on your A and B samples, you are guilty, no appeals, no chance to challenge it and we will mail you your sentence. Have a nice day." A process like that would also save a lot of time and money in the criminal justice system as well. The evidence is strongly against her, but why not wait for the process put in place to protect the athlete to deliver the final "verdict" before potentially trashing her life? There have been instances where samples were mislabelled or chain-of-custody was violated or there were questionable positives, etc. -LBJ True, but this isn't the criminal justice system and we're past the initial "trial" stage under FINA rules. They can't undo her "enhanced" races or her edge over her competitors. A failed test results in suspension. That was my point. So we're onto the next stage of the proceedings, where the burden of proof shifts to her and an irregularity may be discovered. (Like all appeals, the burden is heavy.) I just consider an irregularity unlikely, although admittedly not impossible. I think it's far more likely that she intentionally ingested clenbuterol to gain an edge. Just stating my prediction. If I'm wrong, I'll say I'm wrong. Right now my sympathies are with the women denied an Olympic berth. I read today that Kirk still plans to sue USA Swimming. My comments are not emotionally driven. They are based on my understanding of the rules, my dislike of cheaters and my cynicism about drug use in sports. More logic, than emotion. Now the Smiths ...