Is Sharapova's downfall beginning?

I must begin by admitting that sadly, I find myself writing this entry on International Women's Day.

By now everyone must be aware that after calling a press conference a couple of days ago and holding most of the tennis and sports fanbase in suspense for most part of the weekend, Maria Sharapova announced she had tested positive on a drug test at the Australian Open, a result for which she took full responsibility.

Visible upset, Sharapova announced she had tested positive on a drug test

Most players who have tested positive on drug tests have been disciplined accordingly. Now the question is: what will be the case with Sharapova?

While standing up in front of the world to admit her own guilt shows bravery, heart, class and any other positive adjectives you can mention, that doesn't take away from the fact that she is in the same position Martina Hingis, Lance Armstrong, Diego Maradona, Barry Bonds and many others have been.

While many other tennis players have been banned for testing positive on drugs,
Martina Hingis was the last Grand Slam Champion to be banned from the sport (2 years) in november 2007

Sponsors have already ditched Maria, less than 24 hours after her announcement. Tag Heuer, Nike, Porsche, Evian, among others, have either suspended or halted relations with Sharapova. This sends a clear no-tolerance message to all athletes. Therefore and unfortunately, as much as I like Maria and I respect her as a tennis player, I believe the ITF should do the same thing and proceed with a ban. 

As shocked as I am by the announcement, many former pros have expressed mixed reactions. Particularly I have been quite impressed by Jennifer Capriati's:

Let's start by saying that Jen Capriati may not be the most objective opinion, as she has lived a... complicated life herself. However, despite going through all her issues and despite being in a bit of a rant, I believe she is stating the truth and talking from the bottom of her heart when she says:

"I'm extremely angry and disappointed. I had to lose my career and never opted to cheat no matter what I had to throw in the towel and suffer"

Jennifer Capriti fought many injuries and a mental breakdown as a teenager,
before becoming the Champion she was poised to become

She may be a bit over the board with the "high priced team of doctors", but she is alsto right there as well. Caroline Wozniaki makes a great point when she stated that professional players "double and triple check" everytime they take any supplement or medicine. It's as simple as that. 

Another fallen champion

Moreover, the Latvian company that manufactures meldonium says the normal course of treatment for the drug is four to six weeks - not the 10 years that Sharapova says she used the substance. That's why it is not only Sharapova, but also her team, the ones who where the blame should be placed.

This case is quite straight forward in my opinion. Sharapova let her fans down and as an elite player, who which the eyes of boys -and especially girls-are looking up to, this represents an unexcusable behavior.

Sadly, the announcement came a day before International Women's Day. To all women out there reading me, I wish you my most sincere congratulation and admiration. Keep doing what you have been doing... always following the honest way.

H