The Serve

Mr. Howard, stay out of the drugs in sport debate

Day whatever of the Ben Cousins saga and we’ve managed to reach a new level. We’ve heard from the club, the girlfriend has spoken and the father has bravely tackled his son’s problems in public. Only one person to hear from now.

Ben?

No. How about the Prime Minister?

John Howard stepped into the debate, albeit by accident when he was asked to comment on a talkback radio spot, but his made-for-TV request for ‘Zero Tolerance’ in sport is surely nothing more than an empty, vapid soundbite that amounts to nothing more than profiteering off the day’s big story.

Zero Tolerance. It sounds so good, doesn’t it? Tough. Resolute. Really speaks to middle Australia. Doesn’t help the subject - clearly in need of help - but bugger that, we’ve got votes to win.

Firstly, Mr Howard, when it comes to drugs, we are not a ‘zero tolerance’ society. Why should sport be any different? Outside of being a professional athlete, is there a job in the country that requires its employees to be tested out of work time? Would you and your colleagues accept random drug tests on, say, Sunday morning at dawn? Something about civil liberties, John? Thought so. The very notion of athletes being tested for substances that don’t enhance performance is debatable. It’s also rather ironic that the only proof we have of Cousins suffering from substance abuse is the statement from father Bryan. A cry for help. A boy lost. He’s yet to test positive and Mr. Howard is throwing him away.

Imagine zero tolerance was de rigueur. Imagine a 21 year old, whether he’s experimenting, or further intertwined with non-performance enhancing drugs. He tests positive. Immediately named, shamed and banished. Zero tolerance. No fuss, no muss. What would happen to the 21 year old, Mr. Howard? His reputation destroyed, his livelihood gone and his passion removed. Is it more likely or less likely that this individual would turn to the illicit world of drugs? The three strikes policy fortified by the AFL has been easy pickings this week, but at least it can claim to provide a system that is designed for rehabilitation.

Finally, Mr. Howard, what about the drug that has caused more bad behaviour, sexual misconduct, physical destruction and general embarrassment among athletes than any other substance: Alcohol? I don’t see a zero tolerance policy there. I don’t remember such stanch commentary from you, Mr. Howard, whenever Craig Gower found himself in the news, or when Mark Gasnier from your beloved Dragons club used the immortal phrase ‘Fire up, bitch’. Were you on holidays then, Mr. Howard? Aaah, but you can’t attack alcohol, can you, sir? It’s that wonderful money spinner and you know any criticism would be instantly attacked as hypocritical. Drugs though, that’s a much softer votewinner.

Let’s not for a minute make Ben Cousins out to be the fall guy. He has a problem, which was self-inflicted. He needs help, but there’s also an element of comeuppance after several indiscretions. However let’s also not allow the Prime Minister to saunter into a debate he has previously shown little interest in, grab the headlines for a day, then walk off into the sunset.

How about a zero tolerance on that?