German doping suspendee has to pay the piper
The Eurovets Web site belatedly reports: “The German Athletics Federation (DLV) informed EVAA that on August 17, 2006, the DLV- Disciplinary Commission made the following decision in the above mentioned case: 1. the athlete Werner Schallau has committed a doping offence. 2. the athlete is declared ineligible for two years from the date of the decision with a deduction for the suspension served from July 13, 2006, that is, until July 12, 2008.” But this is the new wrinkle: “3. the athlete has to bear the costs.”
Wow! A two-year suspension is expected. But “bear the costs”? Does that go beyond the $300 drug-test fee (typical for Eurovets meets)? Does that involve office time at the DLV? That might inflate the “costs” to an amount one might challenge in court.
Or do German athletes sign a waiver that says: “If I’m caught doping, I’ll pay through the wahzoo”?
Is this a first in masters track?
