Rio got 8 months for missing a drugs test, he didn't get a drugs ban.
Same thing imo.
Mental.
That's the idea behind it isn't it? You treat the missed drugs test as harsh as a failed one, otherwise you'd just skip the drugs test.
Nah I know. I think 8 months is fine. The original point was that 18 months for Barton compared to 8 months for a 'drug ban' is crazy, when it's not. The ban was for missing a drugs test, not failing one. Had he failed one he'd have been banned for a lot longer.
Missing a drugs test should be treated the same as failing one IMO.
Luckily the legal system doesn't.
Pretty sure it does in athletics and cross country skiing etc. Could be wrong, mind.
Missing a drug test equals an admission of guilt within the context of professional sports, IMO.