What Should Happen To Maria Sharapova Next?

Is Maria Sharapova getting what she deserves, or should she be given a reprieve?

Recently, Maria Sharapova announced that she failed a drug test during the Australian Open, having used a recently-banned substance called ‘meldonium’ that increases physical capabilities by sending more blood to the muscles.

Sharapova’s been using Mildronate – another name for meldonium - since 2006, though it was officially banned at the start of this year. As a result of her continued use, she was suspended from tennis and her relationships with Nike and Tag Heuer are on hold (if not entirely ended). The United Nations no longer wants her to represent them as a goodwill ambassador. She has also begun to get harassed by other tennis players and fans of the sport, with ‘cheater’ being most commonly thrown around. All of this despite the initial support from the media, who applauded her honesty.

Is this what she deserves? Or should she be let off the hook (relatively speaking)? Here are some thoughts on each argument.

Getting What She Deserves… Athletes are admired by aspiring sportspeople as well as young children. So, given that the career that brought her fame and adulation was based on a now frowned-upon drug, you have to wonder if she should she be banned from tennis altogether.

Some may believe a four-year ban (which is a possible consequence) would destroy her career, but most experts agree she had no reason to take up the drug in the first place. (She used Mildronate far longer than the recommended 4-6 week treatment time, and it’s not even FDA approved, so what was her real intention?) No matter her intentions, she may deserve a greater punishment than has been suggested so far.

Letting Her Off The Hook… There seems to be no depths one can reach to get permanently banned from sport. Everyone by now – whether they like it or not – is across the Mitchell Pearce catastrophe, and yet he’s back training with the Sydney Roosters. Athletes drink and drive, abuse people and even urinate in their own mouths (yeah, that happened). They usually get a fine, suspension or a good behaviour bond (or, in the case of Todd Carney, move to France). But when do they personally address the public and acknowledge that their actions aren’t okay, as Sharapova did?

Sharapova made a public appearance, whereas many other disgraced athletes have had their team or board apologise on their behalf. Serious question: Should this affect her eventual sentencing?

There are many views to be acknowledged here: that all players who bring their sport into disrepute should be banned; that not all punishments are justified, et cetera, et cetera. Is it time for a process to be put in place to ensure ‘out-of-control’ athletes are fairly dealt with, depending on their transgression?

Athletes are people too, and Sharapova would likely argue that she’s just trying to achieve her goal. But living in the public eye comes with the job, and athletes know it. In the end, they must face the consequences.

What do you think?

Bianca Welsh-Jayne is one of Student Edge’s student contributors. Learn more about the contributors program.