Snort The Punishment

Having recently watched the Dispatches programme about drugs in football i was left wandering why there isn't universally equal punishment for those caught using any banned or illegal substance? Also why the guilty never seem to appear in court if that substance is illegal?

Now don't get me wrong there are a lot of situations in the sport and music world where banned drug inclusion would drastically improve the quality on show,  most of 4th division football, crown green bowls and the music of N-Dubz to name just a few examples, yet as they are illegal, they are illegal for everyone. For example, were i to be questioned by a figure of authority over a potential cocaine addiction i would not expect to get away with it by claiming i was under pressure to lose weight for the next home game. I would also not expect my record label to condone it. I would expect to be at a police station if i were caught.

Left: Drugs would probably improve the music made by these cool guys.


So why did the programme not indicate that the players who were caught now have a criminal record? A ban from the sport is the minimum expectation but i would not expect to be solely banned from work if i was caught hitting the bong at lunch time. And why are the bans so short??
In athletics drug cheats are planted with a 2 year ban with no questions asked yet why do football players not only get away with the crime but also only receive a 2-6 month ban.
Rugby players will do very well to escape a 2 year ban if they are caught using drugs, so why is football so soft?

Thankfully the music world do have their druggy pin up boy in Pete Doherty, who has spent more time at her majesties pleasure than most, and this is a good example of the rule applying to everyone, no matter how cute or good you may sound. His band Babyshambles were also dropped by record label Rough Trade. This is what should be done if you get caught!

My other point is about why the footballers crimes are allowed to remain hidden, out of the public eye. The first thing to happen should be the humiliation of the player, as part of their punishment! I assure you that were i to be in charge of any team or individual, they would be immediately feel the repercussions of their ill advised activities.

Finally, why was Rio Ferdinand allowed to mysteriously get away with his drugs test?? He received an 8 month ban for missing the test instead of a possibly 2 year ban for failing it!

There needs to be a rule across all sport, that applies to all and is executed by all. Example set.

Slainte 

Rio Ferdinand 'definitely' didn't take drugs because he plays for Manchester United.