Topic: News: Norik Vardanian busted for marijuana

[Paul LaDuke]

Paul, the fine came from the IWF, not WADA.  They can do that because it was an international competition.  I've heard of larger fines, but those were for steriods.  I am not aware of any "set in stone" penalties for drug offenses.  We were surprised by both the six months and the fine, plus the suspension took effect in September, not June, which took him out of the worlds.

Thanks for the clarification.  It was a WADA test that he failed, but it was an IWF event so the fine comes from them.

Is there precedence for making the suspension start in September rather than starting with the competition where the failed drug test took place?

I agree with Shawn, is someone at the IWF trying to get even with Urik by playing politics with Norik?  This whole saga just doesn't seem right.

[Mike Wittmer]

[/quote]

Thanks for the clarification.  It was a WADA test that he failed, but it was an IWF event so the fine comes from them.

Is there precedence for making the suspension start in September rather than starting with the competition where the failed drug test took place?

I agree with Shawn, is someone at the IWF trying to get even with Urik by playing politics with Norik?  This whole saga just doesn't seem right.
[/quote]

I don't know.  You can look at the letter from the IWF on the USAW web site.  I don't recall the exact dates, but the suspension was six months, effective the date of the ruling.  The competition results are voided.  However, I don't know how it would have been handled if he had lifted between the nationals/PanAms and the date of the ruling.

As for the political angle, anything is possible there, but from what I have been led to believe, any bias regarding Yuri would have been favorable to Norik.  I cannot say for certain, obviously, but I doubt his father figured into this at all.  From the way I interpret the rules, the penalty could have been worse, or less.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Mike,

Don't you think Norik is worth $5,000 to the federation? If the USAW could get another lifter of his quality (say some unknown American somewhere who needs the $ to start competing for some reason), wouldn't it be worthwhile? Is $5,000 worth risking losing an athlete of this level? I suggest viewing it as an investment in a great lifter. I hope his athlete reps are speaking up for him, and against this precedent. This system of arbitrarily determined fines going to who knows whose pockets for who knows what is ridiculous and strikes me as an opportunity for the USAW to unite around its own. Protest, pay it, and move on is what I hope you all will decide.

[Mike Wittmer]

Mike,

Don't you think Norik is worth $5,000 to the federation? If the USAW could get another lifter of his quality (say some unknown American somewhere who needs the $ to start competing for some reason), wouldn't it be worthwhile? Is $5,000 worth risking losing an athlete of this level? I suggest viewing it as an investment in a great lifter. I hope his athlete reps are speaking up for him, and against this precedent. This system of arbitrarily determined fines going to who knows whose pockets for who knows what is ridiculous and strikes me as an opportunity for the USAW to unite around its own. Protest, pay it, and move on is what I hope you all will decide.

Chris,

Yes, I do think Norik Vardanian is worth $5000 to the federation.  I think there are a lot of lifters worth $5000 to the federation.  However, none of them broke the law and used an illegal drug prior to a tested competition, or at least if they did, they were not caught.  We can (but I would rather not)debate the marijuana issue, freedom, government, etc. (and you probalby know we are more alligned politically than not) but the fact is it is presently illegal and banned in competition by the IOC.  That is the rule.  Abide by the rule if you play the game.  Or change the rule. 

USAW currently struggles financially to send teams to international competitions and sending a full team to this year's worlds was heavily debated within the BOD.  We have junior and youth (schoolage) teams that take self, or partially, funded trips.  The $5000 that we would, if you had it your way, pay the IWF on Norik's behalf could go towards sending some lifters to an international competition for what I consider valuable experience, and a reward for reaching the level they have.  That is an investment.

If it were me, I would go home, get a part time job, learn a trade or skill, or go to school, and continue training.  Then, I would make arrangements to pay off the fine.  I hope he does that. 

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Mike,

I consider American law irrelevant to this matter as it is does not involve the State, so no point in discussing it. The way I see it, international experience isn't all that big a deal unless you are competitive first. Otherwise domestic experience is more appropriate. Second, I do not view all lifters as being of equal worth. Both the USAW and the talent will benefit from focusing money on talent, and Norik is proven talent. Even turning this 6 month suspension into a 1 year suspension could change things forever and of course the longer it takes to raise the money the more likely a significant change in career we should expect. The lifeline of a champion is fragile.

I'll chip in $20 for Norik because I think he should be allowed to lift again as soon as he wants to, if he will accept it.

[Mike Wittmer]

Mike,

I consider American law irrelevant to this matter as it is does not involve the State, so no point in discussing it. The way I see it, international experience isn't all that big a deal unless you are competitive first. Otherwise domestic experience is more appropriate. Second, I do not view all lifters as being of equal worth. Both the USAW and the talent will benefit from focusing money on talent, and Norik is proven talent. Even turning this 6 month suspension into a 1 year suspension could change things forever and of course the longer it takes to raise the money the more likely a significant change in career we should expect. The lifeline of a champion is fragile.

I'll chip in $20 for Norik because I think he should be allowed to lift again as soon as he wants to, if he will accept it.

I agree, that was my point and why I referenced IOC rules.

I also agree that all lifters are not equal, perhaps your president will get legislation passed, a kilo tax if you will, to make it fair.  Seriously, I don't get the lifters being equal point.  If you are saying we should cover the fine for Norik but not a "lesser" lifter, I would disagree.

Regarding the benefit of international competition, I disagree.  I believe exposure to the best, and competing against the best, is required to achieve your best.

Mike

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Mike,

I look at the USAW as theoretically being in the business of developing lifters like Norik, lifters with potential to earn international medals. How much money do you think the USAW will end up spending to develop another lifter of this caliber? I absolutely believe the USAW should focus as much of the resources on demonstrated talent as on talent identification and recruitment. I view it as talent retention. The USAW should be there when great talent needs support. Its in their interest. Its maintaining the value of their investment, but it should be goal oriented (competition).

[Andy Dick]

But I see a problem with the USAW stepping in to "help" Norik.  Dude broke the regulation, which is incredibly stupid in my opinion especially still in the wake of the Michael Phelps scandal.  This isn't like a great lifter is struggling to support himself because he is trying to train and work at the same time.  I think it sends the wrong message that the USAW will step in and "save" the lifter for this offense.  Where is the deterrance factor?  It will just send the message that if you are good enough the USAW will step in a save you for your stupid decisions.  Think of it as in the regards to doping with anabolics, if there is not a strong enough punishment what will deter athletes from using.  Same applies to if the governing body constantly steps in to cover the lifters for stupid decisions.  To me this is building the "I am above the law and better judgement" mentality that you see present in so many professional athletes today.