Rock Racing’s Michael Ball speaks up on Tyler Hamilton, WADA

July 20th, 2009 by Al Fresco 797 views No Comment

Rock Racing team owner Michael issued a statement about the latest efforts of the World Anti-Doping Agency to put a lifetime ban on Tyler Hamilton:

“WADA continues to dig up graves and unjustly target undeserving individuals . The organization’s attempt to vilify Tyler Hamilton by pursuing a lifetime ban is despicable. This is clearly an athlete who did not take a banned substance for any performing enhancing benefits, yet took full accountability and responsibility for his actions. He cooperated every step of the way and accepted an eight year ban without a fight.

WADA claims to promote fairness and equality for athletes worldwide, principles that clearly do not apply to Tyler Hamilton. This action sends a very stark message to all athletes, that WADA can and will impose its will on certain individuals with absolutely no regard for the truth.

Cycling doesn’t need scapegoats to be cleaner. It needs fair anti-doping practices enforced by organizations that are truly interested in protecting the integrity of our sports.”