Commentators discussing Doping

[Dr.Sahl]

During the coverage of yesterday's time trial, Alexandre Vinokourov was competing in the time trial. Matt Keenan, who was commentating, started talking about Vino. He talked about Alexandre's doping charges and it went on and on and on. This really infuriated me because I watch cycling because it is a great sport, not because I want to discuss doping. I go to the forums and the news sites if I want that.

My question is, is it appropriate for a commentator to discuss doping during race coverage when it isn't relevant to the race?

I would be ****ed if they didnt discuss, there is nothing worse than commentators just saying "and here is X rider, he was always good and he might win tody etc" when X rider had been suspended serveral times ^^

But I can understand if you don't want it to be alll they talk about ^^

 

[Eyeballs Out]

I think it's probably best to say as little as possible on the subject a la Sean Kelly / Brian Smith

Apart from the obvious public image / sponsors / legal minefield ...

... doping is a complicated subject, there is a lot to keep up with and there always seem to be number of ongoing cases where riders are under suspicion but not sanctioned (yet). I know there are several folks on here who could talk pretty accurately about the world of doping but your average cycling commentator is going to be out of their depth and, when you throw in a bit of bias towards some riders, will end up looking like an idiot. Like Harmon / Kirby

 

[Nick777]

During the coverage of yesterday's time trial, Alexandre Vinokourov was competing in the time trial. Matt Keenan, who was commentating, started talking about Vino. He talked about Alexandre's doping charges and it went on and on and on. This really infuriated me because I watch cycling because it is a great sport, not because I want to discuss doping. I go to the forums and the news sites if I want that.

My question is, is it appropriate for a commentator to discuss doping during race coverage when it isn't relevant to the race?

I think it's entirely appropriate. Head in the sand stuff, otherwise.,
Mr Keenan has plenty of knowlege.

 

[One Eyed Aussie]

I would be ****ed if they didnt discuss, there is nothing worse than commentators just saying "and here is X rider, he was always good and he might win tody etc" when X rider had been suspended serveral times ^^

But I can understand if you don't want it to be alll they talk about ^^

I think it's entirely appropriate. Head in the sand stuff, otherwise.,
Mr Keenan has plenty of knowlege.

+1 to both these posts....don't take the fans for idiots