Gatlin will never be AOY per the IAAF

[Dave]

http://ca.reuters.com/article/idCAKCN0PN27O20150713?rpc=401&sp=true

Part of me is indifferent and part of me is offended by this.

One the one hand, this has nothing much to do with his performance. On the other, this is pure chickenshit.

If the IAAf did not want to let people come back then they should have imposed lifetime sanctions.



As it is, this is childish. As an American, this bothers me on several levels:
--I believe that Gatlin served his time. Now the suspension is over. OVER.
--I especially dislike having retroactive rules being imposed.
--I dislike rules that are aimed at a single individual.

Does the clown show in Lausanne really think it is a great idea to publicly snub one of their true stars?

[rats123]

I think this is unfair on Gatlin. He's done his time. He's been clean for ages now and provided he is still clean then I can't see why he can't be awarded the AOY.

Athletes are human. They will make mistakes. We need to be a bit more forgiving.

[booond]

They don't want the headline or the photograph. I'm sure they were hoping someone at this point would step up and either beat him or do so well in their discipline to overtake him. Hasn't happened.

But it is their award and they can set the standards for the award any way they want. What this does is delegitimize the award and brings two possible black eyes to the sport (one now and another if they give the award to someone who isn't worthy).

[etuoyo]

I think we all know the IAAF award is mainly about marketing for IAAF. That's why Bolt will always win if he does anything above average.

It is bad marketing to give the award to someone who failed two drug tests. Totally unfair but no one should be too suprised with this.

[ATK]

Clear attack on Gatlin and clearly makes no sense. Don't allow athletes to comeback and compete if you don't want them to be eligible for the award...

Granted, its been clear that the award doesn't really mean much and is for publicity and marketing.

[beebee]

To make a ruling like this on the fly reeks of an attack aimed at one person. Gatlin followed THEIR RULES and paid his debt. This is close to double jeopardy.

[gh]

Needless to say, T&FN will have no such rule (for anybody). Although nothing can stop individual voters from "voting their conscience."

[booond]

Does this mean they're afraid Bolt won't be making a triumphant return in Beijing?

[booond]

Needless to say, T&FN will have no such rule (for anybody). Although nothing can stop individual voters from "voting their conscience."

If you're not voting for the best eligible athlete you shouldn't be voting at all.

[zues2014]

I agree with the IAAF decision.

[meatball]

this is bs he's served his time , why not stop all offenders from being recognized.

[beebee]

I agree with the IAAF decision.

SAFP should have never won hers then.

[gh]

I agree with the IAAF decision.

wow…. knock us all over with a feather

[1runner1]

you are wrong

[Dave]

Bolt is undefeated so far this year, let's just give it to him.... Heck, wasn't he undefeated last year also?