Pete's ESPN piece on the Wickmayer/Malisse suspensions. I'm generally a rule-oriented person. If you disagree with the rule, change it, but once it's in place, it is what it is. So thanks to Mrs. Saifn for pointing out that the 1 year suspension was actually mandatory. Them's the rules.
As for Pete, he makes a great point here:
Wickmayer's infraction was, literally, three times as serious. She went AWOL three times, and that's a little disturbing. You can't expect the teacher to believe that your dog ate your homework three nights in a row. And there's this: These two players aren't the only ones who have to jump through the doping hoops. If Roger Federer, Serena Williams & Co. all have abided by these demands, why should Wickmayer and Malisse get an exemption?
If bat-shit crazy Serena can focus long enough to check in with the authorities, and really, is there any doubt that not even Serena knows where the hell she is at any given point in time, then why couldn't Wickmayer and Malisse?
I think it's still unfortunate. The penalty just doesn't fit the crime here. But dem's the rules, I guess.
The one year suspension could mean the end of a career for Malisse, who'll be 30 next year.
"A procedure before Cas is very costly and lasts a very long time," he said.
"I currently don't have the financial means to take on such a battle. I still don't know what I'm going to do, but if the suspension is maintained that means the end of my career."
