Supposedly multiple Croatian sites are reporting that Cilic failed a doping test in Munich and is serving a 3 month silent ban. Nothing more out there as far as I know.
Come on Phil. You're killing me here. I need details, however "alleged" they may be
Bob. Best thing is to on twitter and type in Marin Cilic. Relates to an alleged positive from Munich with a 3 month ban.....amid claims that his sudden withdrawal from Wimbledon was actually the start of the 3 months.
Interesting. All alleged, I know so let's not jump to conclusions. But my immediate reaction is this.
Cilic fails dope test (allegedly) - 3 months
Troicki refuses to take blood test (due to fear of needles?) - 18 months - even though his urine test and next day blood test were clean.
I am sure there is a lot more to both stories and I haven't read all the reports or details, but from brief comments that I have seen, this is what jumps out at me.
I think the reasoning is that Cilic did not try to avoid a test, and claimed afterwards that he had taken glucose pills from a pharmacy, not knowing they contained a banned substance (I seem to have heard that one before. Surely all the players know now not to take anything not on the specific approved list? I remember Andy saying he didn't dare take anything for a headache). Troicki, by refusing to take a blood test at the time requested, COULD have been delaying matters because he knew that many PED's are clear of the blood stream by the next day. That's why the rules say they must give blood samples when requested. I'm not saying that was his reason, but not giving the mandatory ban could open the door for many others to avoid blood tests by saying they felt ill, and then the tests would be worthless.
To summarise: Victor was feeling really rough and was probably unwise not to throw towel in during his match. He lost very quickly. He gave the requisite urine test, but said he felt to unwell to give blood and is scared of needles. It is permissable to not give a blood sample in "extraordinary circumstances". The Dr at the doping station followed procedures to the letter following the refusal, even helping Victor write a note of explanation. Victor's coach was present for at least part of this doping control test. Victor believed that this would make everything ok. His coach didn't have a problem with it, and Victor was hearing what he wanted to hear from the Dr, and not what she was actually saying. I'm prepared to believe that his illness impared his judgement.
Victor's defence was that the Dr said it would be ok if he wrote a note of explanation to the relevant authorities. At the hearing, the Dr was adamant that she did not say this and produced their procedures document as part of her evidence. Clearly, Victor feeling unwell was not "extraordinary circumstances" and he committed a doping violation by not giving blood.
My opinion: His coach an idiot. He said that he was not familiar with the doping regulations. A total, total idiot. The procedures should require the competitor to sign a document stating that they understand they face a lengthy ban if they do not give a blood sample as requested. Also, I think Victor is a big girl's blouse for being scared of needles. As for the length of the ban, I feel 18 months is harsh, but he is going to appeal.
After reading the decision, I find a few points interesting. Namely, I think firstly that Troicki was, quite frankly, an idiot for not taking the test. Whether he felt 'under the weather' or not, he knew fully well that taking the test would remove any point of concern. Secondly, I think that on the evidence, the ITF was unduly lenient on Troicki considering they found him liable. The acceptance and implementation of Article 10.5.2 as well as the allowance of his post-Monte Carlo RPs and prize money both struck me as odd; their reasoning on the latter surprised me as it appeared, in my opinion, to undermine the testing system.
Kyle got next to no chance unless he does something truely spectacular
Yes, this has always been obvious. The reality has always been that the singles players will be Murray/Ward or far more likely Ward/Evans. The suggestion that Kyle could play a live singles rubber in this tie is palpably absurd.
Kyle got next to no chance unless he does something truely spectacular
Yes, this has always been obvious. The reality has always been that the singles players will be Murray/Ward or far more likely Ward/Evans. The suggestion that Kyle could play a live singles rubber in this tie is palpably absurd.
Agreed. Still think he may make the grade as the "water-boy" though. I think they will take him for the experience much like they did in Coventry.