cannabisnews.com: Doping-U.S. Drug Czar Rejects IOC Proposals Doping-U.S. Drug Czar Rejects IOC Proposals Posted by FoM on October 27, 1999 at 21:41:08 PT By Michael Mann Source: Reuters The United States' drug czar on Wednesday rejected the International Olympic Committee's plans for a world sports anti-doping agency, saying the U.S. had not been properly consulted on the idea. I've never seen anything like it; they just announced a unilateral solution," White House Drug Policy Director Barry McCaffrey told reporters on a visit to Brussels. "They said this is what we will do on November 10, like it or lump it, isolating the U.S. This isn't the way these operations are done. "I hope at end of day we can come up with a proposal that better meets the needs of the world's athletes," he added. Earlier this month, IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch said a temporary office for the agency would be set up in Lausanne, Switzerland by November, ready to operate by the start of next year. U.S. NOT CONSULTED But McCaffrey insisted the decision had been taken without consultation with a number of leading sporting nations, and suggested the body would be far from independent of the IOC's influence. He said the United States was pushing for a solution which would guarantee a fully independent testing agency, year round out-of-competition testing, improved scientific techniques, and harsh penalties for any athletes found to be cheating at any stage in their careers. The real idea is "not to catch cheaters, but to reassure athletes they can come to the games and compete based on talent, good coaching and dedication," he said. McCaffrey refuted the idea that the 15-member European Union had accepted the IOC's plans, stressing that EU Culture Commissioner Viviane Reding had merely backed the concept of the agency, not the blueprint favoured by Samaranch. Hinting that Washington would take a tough line on the issue, he said: "There's $2 billion of U.S. money going into the Olympic movement, which is subject to U.S. law." McCaffrey, a former U.S. army general, pledged to lead the fight to stamp out drug abuse in sport. He forecast it would be possible within five to 10 years to develop reliable standards to test for most banned substances. "We have the opportunity in Sydney and Salt Lake City to create to the greatest extent possible a drug-free Olympics," he concluded, referring to the 2000 summer and 2002 winter games.Newshawk: Dave TheenWednesday October 27, 10:32 PM Copyright © 1999 Reuters LimitedRelated Articles:British Back U.S. Drug Proposal - 10/26/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3433.shtmlIOC Drug Policy Criticized in D.C. - 10/20/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3350.shtmlIOC Executive Assails White House Drug Chief - 9/25/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3017.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 28, 1999 at 11:12:44 PT It Sure Is Something! Laugh at him we must because that is all it is, laughable. He really does seem old for a person who isn't all that old. Must be the lifestyle! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Alexandre Oeming on October 28, 1999 at 10:33:15 PT: Our way or the highway >"They said this is what we will do on November 10, like it or lump it, isolating the U.S. This isn't the way these operations are done. Oh, really? You really are one arrogant SOB, McCzar. I hope the rest of the world gives us the finger. We deserve it.>"I hope at end of day we can come up with a proposal that better meets the needs of the world's athletes," he added.What's with the "we" stuff, McCzar? According to you, if anyone doesn't toe the amerikan prohibitionist line, the system is inherently flawed. Who renewed your license to play deity? Thank god this "man" is old and going to croak someday in the relatively near future ... i can't take much more of this. In the meantime, at least we can laugh at him. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: