Quote:
Originally Posted by berserk87
It's hard to tell about the whole story from one source only.
It is clear that USADA wants examples to show the public that it is doing what it can to combat doping. Say what you want about this, but my guess is that it's a reaction to amateur racers' complaints to USADA about their local cheaters. Folks like to complain, and complaining about dopers is easy to do (and probably justified).
So it's no wonder that USADA is putting out these "in your face" stories about busting dopers. They believe they are providing their customers with what the customers want. USADA is pandering to its base, so to speak.
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Or, another way to look at is that they busting amateurs is a way of addressing a problem at its start.
If only professionals are tested, it sends the message that amateurs can dope without impunity. Does anyone believe that an amateur who dopes will immediately stop doping when they reach the pro ranks? Stopping doping means stopping doping culture. And that means creating a culture of non-doping when racers are young.
And what's wrong with giving the public what it wants? Amateur racing fees generate more revenue than professional fees (if only because there are more amateur racers), so why shouldn't that money be put to serving amateur's requests?