The Dwain Chambers decision...

[John]

Hi All,

For those of you who haven't read, take a look at BBC SPORT | Olympics | Athletics | Chambers loses Olympic ban case (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/athletics/7503792.stm)

It seems strange to me that someone can be banned for life, over a single decision. Yes, he cheated, but I think he has now paid the price. He has had his medals taken from him, public humiliation and has probably missed the prime of his career. After all, aren't most western justice systems based on punishment and then rehabilitation?

It's also worth pointing out that the UK and China are the only two countries in the World that issue a permanent ban. This is strange, no? A global sport, where countries compete against each other, and only two countries enforce a permanent ban.

To put this into perspective, you can drink drive, run someone over and kill them, spend less than a year in jail (sometimes no jail at all) and then come out and start your career again.

Am I the only person that thinks this decision is based more on revenge, rather than justice?

[flesso]

There goes any hope of an Olympic Gold in the 100m...

[John]

Well, his fastest time this year still isn't in the top 10. So, I don't think we lost out too much...

[Brian]

Why not. The fool danced with the devil and lost. He knew the consequences. Wont find any sympathy from me :D

[Rock]

I do have sympathy for him.. & can only say that "A sad end to a wonderful & bright career.." :((

[paul]

When people drink and drive they knew the risks, the law should be equal for all, no one should forget, someone loss their a great loved one.

[DPS Computing]

I think in a way it is justified. I mean let me put this situation to you: say he had got away with it and he still had all his medals - all those other athletes that didnt cheat would have lost, having spent years training for these events and he would have won - a cheater.

Whether the life ban is justified or not, he did wrong and got punished.

I know what your saying about the drink-drive thing but just because this countries justice system is far too leinient doesn't mean we should try and make anything else more leinient.

IMO, if you get caught drink driving it should be an automatic ban on driving for life. And, while we're on the subject of driving, 50% of people driving out there should not have licenses - they cant drive!!!