Episode 167: The Sharapova Resolution

10/13/16 • 38 min

NCR is back after an unforeseen delay (our apologies), and we start by catching up with the conclusion of the Maria Sharapova meldonium case, as Ben welcomes back guest Richard Ings, who had previously discussed Sharapova's positive test with us back on Episode 145A when she announced it back in March. What have we learned over the course of this case? How much should this affect Sharapova's reputation, and should she be labeled a "cheater"? What can ITF do to prevent its athletes having similar pitfalls in the future? All that, plus transparency, TUEs, and more.
Reading material referenced in this episode:

The initial ITF decision against Sharapova
The CAS decision overturning the ITF decision and reducing ban from 24 to 15 months.
Ben's interview with Sharapova in the New York Times
ESPN's Outside the Lines report critical of tennis anti-doping systems.

And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR167!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

The initial ITF decision against Sharapova
The CAS decision overturning the ITF decision and reducing ban from 24 to 15 months.
Ben's interview with Sharapova in the New York Times
ESPN's Outside the Lines report critical of tennis anti-doping systems.

Previous Episode

Episode 166: Keeping the Faith in Tennis

With the Istanbul final between Tunisian Malek Jaziri and Israeli Dudi Sela on Sunday, the cross-section of religion and tennis again came into focus this week. To look at it from several angles this week, we welcome three guests: Israeli Jew Shahar Peer, American Catholic Tim Smyczek, and Pakistani Muslim Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, about how their respective faiths (and sometimes their intertwined nationalities) have affected their lives playing tennis on tour in various ways.
And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR165e!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.

Next Episode

Episode 168: Sinking, Tanking, and Politicking

Ben and Courtney are reunited at last, and have lots to catch up on. First, how is WTAsia doing? What to be made of Kerber's underwhelming fall swing, and Serena's (again) nonexistant one?
Also, we discuss Djokovic's increasingly worrying malaise, Kyrgios' finally cracked down upon tanking, and whether or not players should discuss politics.
Lastly, the highs and lows of air travel.
And as always, thanks for liking us on Facebook (leave comments on the episode thread!), following us on Twitter (discuss this episode with hashtag #NCR168!), and subscribing/reviewing on iTunes or whatever your podcasting app/platform of choice may be.