Ban on Carolina Kostner Over

[Buttercup]

It is, under Italian law colaboating and covering up doping is a crime, Carolina is lucky they didn´t decide to persue a criminal sentence.

My understanding is that under Italian law, supplying, procuring, administering, consuming or encouraging consumption of banned substances is indeed illegal. Kostner did none of those things, so the only way to sanction her is as an athlete. Are you seriously suggesting that if she'd been, say, an art teacher there would have been a case against her? I don't think so.

It didn't even happen in Italy, so I'm not sure how the jurisdiction would work even if there were a more serious case to make against her.

I wonder if the language and spirit of the law is why she has been making the point that what she did not amount to a cover up of his doping because she was not aware of any doping.

 

[Mathman]

It seems that some fans hold their favored skaters to a different set of standards of justice...

Nah, it's just a universal desire to temper justice with mercy. For me, it is not my place to cast the first stone.

 

[R.D.]

I think in this case the sentence is perfectly fair. As I suspected, she gets to keep her medals.

This will effectively end her (competitive) career.

 

[kiara_bleu]

My understanding is that under Italian law, supplying, procuring, administering, consuming or encouraging consumption of banned substances is indeed illegal. Kostner did none of those things, so the only way to sanction her is as an athlete. Are you seriously suggesting that if she'd been, say, an art teacher there would have been a case against her? I don't think so.

It didn't even happen in Italy, so I'm not sure how the jurisdiction would work even if there were a more serious case to make against her.

I wonder if the language and spirit of the law is why she has been making the point that what she did not amount to a cover up of his doping because she was not aware of any doping.

You don't expect an art teacher to know or understand the intricacies of anti-doping rules and laws , but you do expect an elite athlete, like Carolina, who has been a professional for more than a decade to know it. In fact as part of being a professional athlete, and receiving the benefits that go with it, you are required to know and bound to those rules/laws. Don't all senior skaters get random doping tests as well as in every competition? So there is no excuse for her to blindly follow what he says and lie to the officials even if she did not know he was doping. To say "well, it was not like she was actively participating in it" so it's not that bad, well she is not being accused of that or else she would have gotten a stiffer penalty. Whether the punishment fits the crime considering all the grey areas of this case is another matter.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Statement from Carolina, posted on her Facebook page:

"Non ho parole per descrivere la delusione, l’umiliazione e il dolore che provo come atleta e come persona. Ma ringrazio tutte le persone che mi sono state e mi sono vicine per l’affetto di cui sento di avere tanto bisogno e che mi darà la forza per continuare a combattere. Questa volta è veramente dura, ma mi rialzerò come ho fatto in tante altre occasioni."

Sul sito ufficiale il comunicato stampa completo di Carolina:
http://www.carolina-kostner.it/I-Home.htm

"I have no words to describe the disappointment, humiliation and pain that I am feeling right now as an athlete and as a person. Still, I would like to thank all the people who have been supporting me, for the love they showed me and that I need so much right now; it will give me the strength to go on and fight.This time it's really hard but I will get back on my feet again as I have done many times in the past."

You can find the complete press release on Carolina's official website: http://www.carolina-kostner.it/E-Home.htm

Perfectly put, love!

Whatever happens, I will be behind you.

I have supported Carolina since the first time I first saw her (her FS at the 2003 European Championships), and I will continue to do so.

Don't know if any of you have noticed, but to show my support for Carolina, I have made a new avatar. The photo I have used is from her Free Skate in the 2003 Junior World Championships (I tried to find a photo from her FS at the European Championships, but to no avail).

Thankfully, Carolina has said she will appeal the decision. And I will continue to use this avatar until her name is cleared!

Forza Caro!

CaroLiza_fan

 

[Red Helicopter]

I hope that the skaters who are caught up in this ridiculous #IStandWithCarolina

And who exactly? I've seen only few skaters who posted this.

thing aren't so blinded as to not check on the rules for skating in shows with a banned skater. I'd hate to see anyone's eligibility messed with because of her.

What are the rules about this?

 

[Silke]

I'm Italian and I'm a lawyer. As italian and as lawyer I think this decision is a REAL SHAME. Carolina Kostner is innocent. She doesn't deserve this sentence. Unfortunately in Italy things go this way. The culprists are free and the innocent are condemned. It's only a politic problem. Caroline didn't know. In the name of the law is impossible to condemn if the knowledge of the crime lacks. She NEVER used any forbidden substance. She didn't know Alex uses them. She said that Alex wasn't in , because that wasen't the residence where the inspectors could reach him. But she said to him to go to the right residence to do the antidoping test and he did it. He did the test the same evening. I'm sure that the court will accept the ricorso and she'll have at least reduction of the penalty. I'm sad to read that someone Who isn't a lawyer and doesn't know at all the italian law and the situation of Italy think to be able to judge.
Always with you Carolina.

 

[Amei]

From what I've read - this situation is reminding me of how the Roger Clemens (American baseball player) saga began after it was disclosed by a personal trainer that he used steroids - by the end of it all, most people in the US with knowledge of Clemens think he's a major jerk.

 

[Red Helicopter]

Silke, don't you know if exists any detailed description of court's verdict in Italian language? I've found only various articles in italian press, but some things are still not clear for me. I'd be greatful if you can help me to find some details of verdict.

 

[cruzceleste]

I'm Italian and I'm a lawyer. As italian and as lawyer I think this decision is a REAL SHAME. Carolina Kostner is innocent. She doesn't deserve this sentence. Unfortunately in Italy things go this way. The culprists are free and the innocent are condemned. It's only a politic problem. Caroline didn't know. In the name of the law is impossible to condemn if the knowledge of the crime lacks. She NEVER used any forbidden substance. She didn't know Alex uses them. She said that Alex wasn't in , because that wasen't the residence where the inspectors could reach him. But she said to him to go to the right residence to do the antidoping test and he did it. He did the test the same evening. I'm sure that the court will accept the ricorso and she'll have at least reduction of the penalty. I'm sad to read that someone Who isn't a lawyer and doesn't know at all the italian law and the situation of Italy think to be able to judge.
Always with you Carolina.

While I do apologize if my reference of the italian law was wrong, Carolina did lie to the WADA authorities, and still believe her punishement is deserved.

 

[Jammers]

While I do apologize if my reference of the italian law was wrong, Carolina did lie to the WADA authorities, and still believe her punishement is deserved.

Never lie to the authorities people it never ends well.

 

[bekalc]

I'm Italian and I'm a lawyer. As italian and as lawyer I think this decision is a REAL SHAME. Carolina Kostner is innocent. She doesn't deserve this sentence. Unfortunately in Italy things go this way. The culprists are free and the innocent are condemned. It's only a politic problem. Caroline didn't know. In the name of the law is impossible to condemn if the knowledge of the crime lacks. She NEVER used any forbidden substance. She didn't know Alex uses them. She said that Alex wasn't in , because that wasen't the residence where the inspectors could reach him. But she said to him to go to the right residence to do the antidoping test and he did it. He did the test the same evening. I'm sure that the court will accept the ricorso and she'll have at least reduction of the penalty. I'm sad to read that someone Who isn't a lawyer and doesn't know at all the italian law and the situation of Italy think to be able to judge.
Always with you Carolina.

She lied to authorities. She's subject to the same doping tests Alex was. She should know the significance of him asking to lie about his whereabouts. Now clearly she later on that day made him go get tested so do I think she's the worst person ever. Absolutely not. She made a mistake and lied for her boyfriend. But she lied to them and she as an athlete should have know the significance of him asking her to lie...

People make mistakes all the time and this was more than likely a in the moment mistake. But it would be nice for her to admit it was a mistake.

 

[bebevia]

...While I think the ban was quite strict but fair, everyone is not realizing that

THE REAL JERK IS HER X!

What douchebag crosses his girlfriend who supported him throughout his slump, then after breakup, drags her into his mess? I'm not saying Caro was all ethical in turning a blind eye, but HE should've had the decency to keep her out of it.

 

[Amei]

...While I think the ban was quite strict but fair, everyone is not realizing that

THE REAL JERK IS HER X!

What douchebag crosses his girlfriend who supported him throughout his slump, then after breakup, drags her into his mess? I'm not saying Caro was all ethical in turning a blind eye, but HE should've had the decency to keep her out of it.

I don't think that anyone is saying he isn't a jerk - but she ALONE is to blame for her current predicament - there have been no reports of him threatening her or holding a gun to her head forcing her to lie. She made the decision to lie and now she is facing the consequences for HER actions.

 

[R.D.]

...While I think the ban was quite strict but fair, everyone is not realizing that

THE REAL JERK IS HER X!

What douchebag crosses his girlfriend who supported him throughout his slump, then after breakup, drags her into his mess? I'm not saying Caro was all ethical in turning a blind eye, but HE should've had the decency to keep her out of it.

While I'm not defending his actions, it DID appear he tried to keep her out of it (not telling her what he was up to). It was only when the authorities were looking for him in the house they were both in that he "had" to turn to her for help. The very circumstance of that situation automatically forced Kostner's involvement in all this. Still, she was the one that made the decision to cover for him - knowing what the consequences would be if she was caught - and there you have it.

 

[cooper]

can anyone post the pic of her bf??

edit. uh oh. never mind.

 

[Silke]

You said that she lie to the authority....in a certain way...but try to visualize the situation. At 7 a.m. The bell rings and your boyfriend says you : what do they want? They can't look for me at this adress!! Please tell them I'm not in! You love your boyfriend, you believe in him and you must decide in less than 20 seconds.....she made a mistake, yes, but a little mistake...if she had had a some more time she could have asked alex ' Alex this isn't the right adress but it's better that you tell this to the inspectors ...' But she had no time at all. But later, she thought and she started talk to Alex about this and she pushed him to go at once to do the test. She wasn't wise but she was condamned for 'complicity in the crime' . Sa a lawyer I can say that it's absurd. There wasn't any complicity. She deserves another punishment for the lie? Yes , but not this sentence!!! Not 1 year and 4 months for complicity!! The problem of doping is REAL, and serious. There are many athlets Who are doped and the wada doesn't intervene...everybody knows but some athlets are too famous.....Carolina has never used doping. Wada and doping authorities of every country MUST do more to discover the athlets Whose performances are spoiled by doping. Not focalize attention on caro who is totally far from doping in her performances. She deserves a little punishment for the lie but this sentence is ridiculous. As usual in Italy. Who doesn't pay millions of taxes is free and who has stolen an apple is sent to gaol.

 

[Mafke]

I really don't care about doping (I really don't). And I despise those who do anything and everything any authority figure of the moment happens to say so I'm on Kostner's side on this.

She just should have closed the door or said "I don't feel like doing your job for you." to whoever was at the door.

 

[russell30]

How can her own country do this to Carolina, a huge superstar! in her country, the best decorated figure skater from Italy! Shame on them! - Good for Carolina to appeal I am 100% behind her.

Lets face facts - her Ex is GUILTY! and they are punishing Carolina! a great example of how any LAW works which is absolute rubbish -

 

[cruzceleste]

You said that she lie to the authority....in a certain way...but try to visualize the situation. At 7 a.m. The bell rings and your boyfriend says you : what do they want? They can't look for me at this adress!! Please tell them I'm not in! You love your boyfriend, you believe in him and you must decide in less than 20 seconds.....she made a mistake, yes, but a little mistake...if she had had a some more time she could have asked alex ' Alex this isn't the right adress but it's better that you tell this to the inspectors ...' But she had no time at all. But later, she thought and she started talk to Alex about this and she pushed him to go at once to do the test. She wasn't wise but she was condamned for 'complicity in the crime' . Sa a lawyer I can say that it's absurd. There wasn't any complicity. She deserves another punishment for the lie? Yes , but not this sentence!!! Not 1 year and 4 months for complicity!! The problem of doping is REAL, and serious. There are many athlets Who are doped and the wada doesn't intervene...everybody knows but some athlets are too famous.....Carolina has never used doping. Wada and doping authorities of every country MUST do more to discover the athlets Whose performances are spoiled by doping. Not focalize attention on caro who is totally far from doping in her performances. She deserves a little punishment for the lie but this sentence is ridiculous. As usual in Italy. Who doesn't pay millions of taxes is free and who has stolen an apple is sent to gaol.

So as a lawyer you will admit a excuse "I didn´t have enough time to think"? Tell me if my boyfriend comite a crime (something like tax evasion), and police/ fiscaly go to my house and ask where he is and I do what Carolina did. And I guilty of obstruction of justice yes or no? I will guess you are answer is yes.

And I don´t buy the Carolina excuse that she didn´t knew anything. She met with Dr. Ferrari, she saw all the medicines? You will need to believe that Carolina is really really silly not to get to the conclusion that his boyfriend was doping.

Does Carolina look like a nice person? yes. And she already received a little compassion by reducing the sentence 11 months that was asked for. And I think the problem she has is not the sentence is that she was found guilty!

She was already declared guilty and is already in her wikipedia page and in all the media around the world (haven´t seem so much coverage of a figure skating news since Yuzuru and Han Yan crasehd into each other, I think this even got more), I think that after the Olympics this is the news that have received the more attention from the media. The more she fight this the worst she will look in the media and in the general public eye.