Compatriots Yanina Wickmayer + Xavier Malisse were both handed shocking one-year bans today by the Flemish Doping Tribunal after both Belgian ballers violated doping regulations.
The U.S. Open semifinalist, who is currently in Bali competing in the Tournament of Champions, is reportedly being accused of failing to fulfill the ADAMS (Anti-Doping Administration and Management System) three times. Under this WADA policy ballers must notify their national anti-doping officials about their whereabouts for one hour every day over a 3-month period. The X-Man was accused of missing required drug tests and was therefore handed the ban.
Both ballers can appeal the ruling.
I'm curious to hear their explanations, particularly Wicky's reasons for failing to report her whereabouts three times. It's a tough measure but a one-year suspension seems pretty harsh. As for The X-Man, it seems he missed actual tests which is a whole, different story. His ban isn't so surprising in this case. It looks like they're viewing both offenses as being equal, however. Interesting.
On another note, I wonder if Andre Agassi's recent revelation that he lied to the ATP about a positive drug test and escaped punishment in 1997 is playing out here in any way. Are they possibly setting an example with the two Belgians?
UPDATE: Wicky has voluntarily withdrawn from Bali and is planning an appeal.
(Photos: Getty)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
(UPDATED) THE LOW DOWN: Wicky + The X-Man slapped with one-year suspensions - is "Agassi Effect" in play?
Labels: controversy, doping, suspension/ban, tennis, WADA, Xavier Malisse, Yanina Wickmayer
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I believe Wiki said she was having trouble with her log in. These bans do seem somewhat arbitrary and unfair considering the difference in severity of the incidents.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute bull crap.
ReplyDeleteThese players need to go on strike!
well, at least there will be 2 other Belgian ballers to replace them (see: Kim and Justine)
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is sad because Wicky had a breakthrough tourney at the USOpen....
"well, at least there will be 2 other Belgian ballers to replace them (see: Kim and Justine)"
ReplyDeleteThat is SO far from the point ddemed!
haha, it was supposed to be sarcastic Monica! lol
ReplyDeletebut anyways, this suspension is quite harsh!
Insanity. And it's not likely to stop any time soon. Gasquet is damn lucky he got out before the Agassi book hit, otherwise we wouldn't be seeing him until 2011.
ReplyDeleteI'm really quite sad for Wicky. They pulled her out of her tournament.
I feel so bad for Wicky! Especially after hearing her story about her dad giving up everything to move to the US for her to play tennis after her mum died! You know, it's finally paying off then all of the sudden, suspension.
ReplyDeleteI think one year is way too harsh for her. A heavy fine or something should be more fitting for a situation where she hasn't even been proved to be doping.
They got what they deserved! At least now they can grab some meth from Agassi, it doesn't matter anymore.
ReplyDelete*sigh* I swear, more and more we are living in a fascist world.
ReplyDelete*grits teeth*