Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/972780
CN III VOICES W H A T Y O U A R E S A Y I N G "The AMA should protect our riders, not let them be crucified for BS." Empire Of Dirt: Ban Wada Steve Cox's article about WADA is spot on. This is "political" whenever bureaucrats get involved in anything (and I do mean anything); it is about the bureaucracy, not the rules. A liberal's self-serving position is that the end justifies the means, i.e. "…drug tests always hold up in court," only exemplifies the moronic, simpleton intellect of bureaucrats. None of this is about actual right or wrong, just they are right and everyone else is—wrong. It is about control. Broc Tickle, it is a shame you had to get caught up in WADA's desire to prove "their testing is just" (had to catch someone do- ing something or there would be no need for WADA). Scott Uhrmann I want to thank Steve Cox for the terrific piece on the Broc Tickle positive drug test. The growth of supercross and its partnership with FIM (world supercross), which ultimately led to the WADA partnership (but should be USADA) has all been seemingly haphazard. So now we are stuck with rules and organizations that do not likely represent the needs of a professional American racing series and it's loyal fans. Broc's career is likely over. If the AMA was running the show and had a drug policy program designed for our sport, (not inter- national Olympians) this infraction and the James Stewart infraction, or even the Cade Clason infrac- tion, would have all been handled differently. Punishment, yes—ca- reer death penalty, no! And all along the AMA sits on its hands! I ask: Is the AMA underfunded, incompetent or a combination both? Jim Guettler Frankly, I have to agree whole- heartedly with Steve Cox's position on WADA drug testing. He hits the nail on the head when he talks about organizations like WADA acting at least as much in "self Interest," rather than in any real effort to actually do any good. Drug testing for things that might actually create an advan- tage is fine, but organizations that are "for-profit" tend to take on a life of their own, regardless of whether they actually accomplish anything! His example of Stewart's career being ruined over a legally prescribed medication is right on point. Enough already! Test for things that actually might be considered to create an advantage, and no one would have a problem, but as with the NFL, the organizations needs to stand up and say "no, we are not adhering to your (over-extended) list of substances that don't actu- ally do anything except keep you in business! Richard T. Haight I agree with Steve Cox. WADA is out of control and needs to be reined in. They have used their power unrealistically and need to be stopped. SV Even though Steve Cox pre- sented a great case, nothing will change. Also, they (the riders) all know the rules. The so-called drug that Broc took helps you to breathe, though not as crazy of a drug that Lance Armstrong took, it still helps breathing. As far as JS7 is concerned, the main reason he was given the penalty was his arrogance towards the whole being caught, and refus- ing to cooperate, thinking the sport needed him more than he thought. Brian Philippsen Brian, you actually bring up an interesting topic—but, do the riders know the rules?...Editor Right on, Steve! I totally agree. They forced James Stewart out, and now Broc Tickle, over bogus technicalities. Who's career is next? The AMA should protect our riders, not let them be crucified for BS. Ben Church Clear-headed writing like this gives Cycle News an unfair advantage in my view. Good job! Craig Anderson Letters to the editor can be sent to voices@cyclenews.com. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News. Letters should not exceed 150 words and are subject to editing. Anonymous letters won't be considered for publication and each letter should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number… Editor P6