Thoughts on Another Cheating Scandal

If you've been keeping track of sports recently, then you've probably heard about the latest cheating scandal.  

On Saturday, ESPN reports, Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tested positive for "an excessive amount" of steroids.  The failed test has put the result of the Derby in question, and the apparent winner in danger of being disqualified (1).  Right now, the "finger of suspicion" is squarely pointed at Medina Spirit's trainer, Bob Baffert; it's safe to say he's in a bit of hot water.  

You see, in terms of drug tests, this isn't the Hall of Famer's first walk around the block.  In the past year, five of his horses have failed standard tests, including one that was disqualified in September's Kentucky Oaks race.  Therefore, the credibility of racing's most successful trainer has come into question.  

For his part, Mr. Baffert claims that nobody associated with him has ever given a horse betamethasone (the drug that was found to be in Medina Spirit).  Nevertheless, I question if he's being honest.  Baffert offers no explanation as to how his horse could've been contaminated, nor does he express any intent to have a scheduled second test "expedited" (see Note 1).  

Let's be real for a moment.  What we have here is a major cheating scandal, one that could impact the sport of horse racing for years to come.  Knowing this, if Baffert is innocent of the charges, why wouldn't he want to clear his name (not to mention that of the horse) as soon as possible? (2) 

Something's amiss here; thus far, the actions of Mr. Baffert haven't made a lot of sense.  

Having discussed the subject at issue, allow me to state my opinion on the matter.    

It seems to me that at the moment, Bob Baffert is talking out of both sides of his mouth.  I can't say with any certainty whether the trainer cheated; I can only say that if he did, he's in the same boat as the Houston Astros of MLB.  That is, Baffert and Medina Spirit should be (and will be, according to Churchill Downs officials) stripped of their apparent victory, and that win awarded to what is now the runner-up.  

Cheaters should not ever win, whether in horse racing, baseball, or any other endeavor.  That's not simply a personal opinion, it's a fact.  

"We now return you to regular programming, already in progress"

Note 1: "Expedited", adjective.  "Accelerated or sped up; promptly executed" (3)

Sources:

    1. Purdum, David. "Derby Champ Faces DQ; Baffert Banned By Track". ESPN.Com, 2021, https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/31416038/kentucky-derby-winner-medina-spirit-tests-positive-anti-inflammatory. Additional Credit: Associated Press. Accessed 11 May 2021.

    2. ESPN. Baffert Troubled Trying To Figure Out How Medina Spirit Failed Postrace Drug Test. 2021, https://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/31416038/kentucky-derby-winner-medina-spirit-tests-positive-anti-inflammatory. Accessed 11 May 2021.

    3. "Definition Of EXPEDITED". Merriam-Webster.Com, 2021, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expedited. Accessed 11 May 2021.