In what is becoming one of the most fascinating sports stories of the year, it appears that the entire Russian track and field team will be banned from this year's Olympic games. The reason? State-sponsored doping, and cover-ups of that doping for nearly every track and field athlete.
And the story goes much deeper. It's possible this was a nationwide sponsored cover-up involving most of the Russian athletes. Though a decision has not yet been reached, it is possible that Russia will not be allowed to participate in the games at all. The integrity of the games is at stake.
Russia lost a formal appeal yesterday that sought to overturn the initial track and field ruling. Russia was informed that a full decision would be coming by Sunday.
Former WADA president John Fahey said Thursday the decision should be clear-cut. Russia, for all of its mis-deeds, should not be allowed to participate in the games this year.
This is the world we now live in.
To save face, watch for Russia to say that THEY have decided not to participate in the games this year because of health concerns of the Zika virus, and the water clean-up problem in Brazil.
Remember, in any event where nations compete, politics is always at play.
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