theswordsman said:I think that if the sport itself dictates the punishment, once that punishment is over, they should be treated by the powers that be like anyone else...
There was a famous study of Olympic athletes a lot of years ago. People were asked if there was something they could take that would help them win a gold medal, but severely shorten their life, would they do it. Way too many people said yes. If people are willing to die many years early in order to achieve what they consider success, I doubt that two years off instead of four would change things...
I am not aware of the study to which you refer. There was a more recent study by Hoffman
A confidential self-report survey was administered to 3248 students representing grades 8-12 in 12 states in the continental United States by their teachers during homeroom or physical education class.
It would be interesting to hear what the average (if there is such a thing!) Olympic athlete might actually say. And to be clear most Olympic athletes do not take PED and that's not to say that a significant number probably do! I think the health issue is bogus or at least overstated. The extreme amount of training (and controlled abuse) athletes give their bodies to attain peak performance is not exactly 'healthy' in any case.
I believe everyone deserves a second chance. I used to believe that if an athlete got caught doping at the Olympics they shouldn't be allowed to compete at the Games again even after serving their ban. I still feel that way but I am wondering if it's a little hypocritical to talk about second chances and at the same time apply some limits or constraints.