'RIDER DESERVES THE BOOT'

Nice Try, But There's No Excuse For Toking Coke

I felt I must reply to the pathetic excuses and attempts to win
sympathy that Canadian equestrian Eric Lamaze put forth in the "Lamaze
victim of a cruel twist of fate" story.

Having been involved in the North American show-jumping circuit for my
entire life and witnessing the drug abuse within, I completely support
the decision of the Canadian Olympic Association to "shut the door" on
Lamaze.

The issues surrounding this event have been twisted around so much
that it's nearly impossible to figure out if Lamaze was in the wrong
or not.

But let's look at the facts, shall we?

Lamaze's explanation of his unintentional consumption of the
stimulants ephidrine and pseudoephedrine does not exactly add up logically.

When you are an athlete of his caliber, you darn well should know what
you are putting into your body, whether it's cough syrup or dietary
supplements.

It's common sense.

Even more of a joke are the conclusions of the psychiatrist and
psychologist: Their claim that Lamaze lost his self-control and
"previous good judgment" is a total farce.

What previous good judgment are they referring to? This is not the
first time Lamaze has had a lifetime ban thrust upon him for being a
crackhead.

In fact, his drug abuse problem led to his being banned from showing
at Spruce Meadows in Alberta. Spruce Meadows has a zero-tolerance rule
- -- and so should the Canadian Olympic Association.

With no exceptions.

Finally, someone made the right decision.

Stephanie Tidball,

Langley