If Serena Williams got caught juicing like Maria Sharapova just did...

[Anonymous]

No doubt Sharapova was taking the drug for performance enhancement though, which is a shame even if it was legal.

[Anonymous]

Well, perhaps there is not a ton of media attention, but she was immediately dropped by all of her sponsors. Nike, etc. Which seems a bit much given some of the male athletes Nike has been willing to stand behind (Kobe Bryant, Michael Vick, Lance Armstrong (before he admitted doping), etc.)

[Anonymous]

I think testing positive for a substance that is newly banned isn't a huge cause to get thrown under a bus and dropped by sponsors. She should've been cut a lot more slack. I also think saying she "didn't know" is complete bullshit.

[Anonymous]

I think there'd be backlash because the Williams sisters took the tennis world by storm and refused to bend under some of the old boys network nonsense. Serena is a phenomenal athlete and I expect there are plenty of bruised egos who would be happy to see her stumble.

[Anonymous]

sharapova is controlling the story instead of the media and the media can't stand it. great pr move by her.

has nothing to do with race but hey thanks for trying. BTW the Williams sisters are the biggest ...........I have ever met and they have been that way since I first met them at age 15. spoiled rich kids who have no respect for anyone but themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you actually read any of the news articles on the story? She wasn't "caught juicing". She had been taking the stuff for years for medical reasons, and it was only banned in January. She didn't know it wasn't allowed. Stop trying to make everything about race.

Additionally, she was taking the drug under the name of mildronate. She didn't realize that it had another name, meldonium.

She also self-admitted in her press conferences that she got a letter from the WADA in October, but did not read it and so she admits that she was given notice of the change, but just didn't take the time to read and address the issue. She's taking responsibility, and has said that she believes that she deserves a punishment and will take it, but hopes that she'll be able to come back to the sport afterwards so that this is not the end of her career. She's not trying to get out of anything, other than a lifetime ban, which normally isn't given for a first offense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you actually read any of the news articles on the story? She wasn't "caught juicing". She had been taking the stuff for years for medical reasons, and it was only banned in January. She didn't know it wasn't allowed. Stop trying to make everything about race.

Additionally, she was taking the drug under the name of mildronate. She didn't realize that it had another name, meldonium.

She also self-admitted in her press conferences that she got a letter from the WADA in October, but did not read it and so she admits that she was given notice of the change, but just didn't take the time to read and address the issue. She's taking responsibility, and has said that she believes that she deserves a punishment and will take it, but hopes that she'll be able to come back to the sport afterwards so that this is not the end of her career. She's not trying to get out of anything, other than a lifetime ban, which normally isn't given for a first offense.

A lifetime ban as punishment is not the issue. She could be suspended up to four years, which at her age, is effectively a lifetime suspension, as coming back after four years would be nearly impossible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - Your post is an example of why race relations are so bad in our country.

When you play the “race card” for every damn situation, then when real racism occurs, it is ignored.

+1
It's really tiresome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:does anyone think the backlash would be as muted? I'm surprised just how quiet the Sharapova juicing story is. This is the #1 earning professional female athlete of all time.

"If you are white, thin, sexy, and blonde
You can do no wrong. "

Should be made into a little song diddy.

I don't think it is muted. It is everywhere in the media. I have seen/read numerous articles about it. I think it would be bigger if Serena Williams got busted because she is a better player and has a bigger brand! Everyone knows who Williams is! To be honest, I don't even know show to pronounce Sharapova's name and haven't heard too much about her. I don't follow tennis at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - Your post is an example of why race relations are so bad in our country.

When you play the “race card” for every damn situation, then when real racism occurs, it is ignored.

OMG. Completely agree. Only a black racist would start such a thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - Your post is an example of why race relations are so bad in our country.

When you play the “race card” for every damn situation, then when real racism occurs, it is ignored.

OMG. Completely agree. Only a black racist would start such a thread.

Disagree. I am white and generally feel there is white privilege out there. However, I do agree there would be more outrage because Williams is better known than Sharapova. To counter the OP's argument when it comes to doping, no athlete has faced as much scrutiny as Lance Armstrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP - Your post is an example of why race relations are so bad in our country.

When you play the “race card” for every damn situation, then when real racism occurs, it is ignored.

OMG. Completely agree. Only a black racist would start such a thread.

Disagree. I am white and generally feel there is white privilege out there. However, I do agree there would be more outrage because Williams is better known than Sharapova. To counter the OP's argument when it comes to doping, no athlete has faced as much scrutiny as Lance Armstrong.

This situation is hardly an example of “white privilege.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just like Bill Cosby gets indicted and Bill Clinton doesn't . More evidence against Clinton who is a proven liar regarding sexual predatory behavior during a trial that involving a separate sexual harrassment incident. Also labeling a 22 year old intern as a "stalker" and throwing her under the bus until a sperm stain shows up proves you are an abuser.

That sound you just heard was my head exploding.