Pessoa Showing Despite FEI ban

[hbm]

Looks like RP has had enough of the FEI ban ---

http://equisearch.com/equiwire%5Fnew...pete%5F101508/

[pds]

Listen, rules are rules. If he does not agree with the FEI rules then he should work within the org. to get them changed. Not thumb his nose at the FEI.

He appears to be acting like a spoiled brat and I have lost some respect for Rodrigo Pessoa.

[IsolaBella09]

I concur with pds. Rules are rules.

I also think it's extremely poor sportsmanship to make a scene about the matter, especially if there is conspicuous evidence of the drugs in your feed, your ice machine, etc...

If the case is true where Pessoa is stating that he had nothing to do with these illegal drugs, and there was cross contamination from his grooms possibly, then I think he better employ some new grooms or teach his current grooms about sterlization. The panel has a legitimate statement in explicating that it was "poor stable management for this level event", which does make Pessoa's counter argument seem questionable.

Don't get me wrong, I adore watching Pessoa ride and have always admired his horses and his style of riding. And yes, usually Pessoa is very clean, as noted in the article, but my conjecture is that there was evidence of drugs in and around his horses, which to the FEI, is illegal. Just irks me.

I strongly suggest Pessoa should disavow his actions, while continuing to discuss with the board about the clarity of the rules, since Pessoa seems to be confused about what is allowed in and what isn't.

[rabicon]

Can the FEI do anything or take further action againist him for competing?

[Equibrit]

Who's a silly boy then?

FEI slams Rodrigo Pessoa for side-stepping suspension


Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor
15 October, 2008

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has branded top show jumper Rodrigo Pessoa "unsportsmanlike" for obtaining an injunction allowing him to ride at the Global Champions Tour next week.


Pessoa was recently banned from competing for 135 days</U> — 4.5 months — after his horse tested positive in a random drug test during the 2008 Olympic Games.

In a statement released this afternoon, FEI boss Alexander McLin said: "We understand [Pessoa] has obtained an injunction from a national court compelling the Brazillian National Federation to enter him in the event.

"That he should take such action is highly disappointing and inappropriate for a sportsman of his position."

The FEI said in order to lift his suspension, Pessoa must apply to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) — which he has not yet done. The Global Champions Tour Final takes place in Sao Paolo in Pessoa's home country of Brazil, from 15-19 October.

Mr McLin added: "We will take all necessary further disciplinary action should local court orders or circumstances allow him to take part in the competition.
"Any result obtained by him in an international competition while under suspension would be void."

[Mardi]

Now THIS will be entertaining.

[CraziiPonii]

I concur with pds. Rules are rules.

I also think it's extremely poor sportsmanship to make a scene about the matter, especially if there is conspicuous evidence of the drugs in your feed, your ice machine, etc...

If the case is true where Pessoa is stating that he had nothing to do with these illegal drugs, and there was cross contamination from his grooms possibly, then I think he better employ some new grooms or teach his current grooms about sterlization. The panel has a legitimate statement in explicating that it was "poor stable management for this level event", which does make Pessoa's counter argument seem questionable.

Don't get me wrong, I adore watching Pessoa ride and have always admired his horses and his style of riding. And yes, usually Pessoa is very clean, as noted in the article, but my conjecture is that there was evidence of drugs in and around his horses, which to the FEI, is illegal. Just irks me.

I strongly suggest Pessoa should disavow his actions, while continuing to discuss with the board about the clarity of the rules, since Pessoa seems to be confused about what is allowed in and what isn't.

You stole the words right out of my mouth.

[KristieBee]

In Pessoa's defense, I found this aspect of the article to be a pretty compelling argument:

"We need to have a clean sport. The riders are for the doping regulations," he said, noting they pay for the testing.

At the same time, Pessoa added, "We need to have clear rules and clear decisions. You can see clearly there was no intention of performance enhancing (in his case), but they still punish you like there is."

The FEI has a zero-tolerance rule that many feel should be amended to have a low "threshold" levels for drugs that are present in such a small amount that they cannot affect performance or soundness.

*******
Rules may be rules, but I am a believer in the "spirit" of the law over the "letter" of the law. I think the rules should be changed immediately to reflect the spirit of the intention : no performance enhancement. And to let people off the hook who were clearly not attempting to enhance the horse's performance. Someone who used magic cushion could be disqualified, I mean come on.

This is a personal opinion and I realize it might not be shared by everyone, or even anyone. But people who are mindlessly, numbly bound by rules with no capacity for discernment frustrate me...

[Cita]

Rules may be rules, but I am a believer in the "spirit" of the law over the "letter" of the law. . . But people who are mindlessly, numbly bound by rules with no capacity for discernment frustrate me...

That's true, and I agree, but I also believe in honoring your world. By competing in events under the governance of an organization, like the FEI, you are agreeing to be bound by its rules. Contest them, challenge them, complain about them, whatever, but do not BREAK them. Or, if you do, suffer the consequences honorably (and contest the rules in the meantime, if you feel so inclined).

You can't wait to say you disagree with the rules until after you've been accused/convicted of breaking them.

[Pandora1087]

In Pessoa's defense, I found this aspect of the article to be a pretty compelling argument:

"We need to have a clean sport. The riders are for the doping regulations," he said, noting they pay for the testing.

At the same time, Pessoa added, "We need to have clear rules and clear decisions. You can see clearly there was no intention of performance enhancing (in his case), but they still punish you like there is."

The FEI has a zero-tolerance rule that many feel should be amended to have a low "threshold" levels for drugs that are present in such a small amount that they cannot affect performance or soundness.

*******
Rules may be rules, but I am a believer in the "spirit" of the law over the "letter" of the law. I think the rules should be changed immediately to reflect the spirit of the intention : no performance enhancement. And to let people off the hook who were clearly not attempting to enhance the horse's performance. Someone who used magic cushion could be disqualified, I mean come on.

This is a personal opinion and I realize it might not be shared by everyone, or even anyone. But people who are mindlessly, numbly bound by rules with no capacity for discernment frustrate me...

I understand what you are saying, but until the rules are changed, one needs to follow them. If an international rider such as himself feels that it is ok to bend the rules, then what kind of message does that send to kids coming up in the sport. I feel for his father who made the Pessoa name, and now due to Rodrigo being selfish, it is tarnished.

[grandprixjump]

Can't read spanish

10/14/2008 - COMUNICADO OFICIAL
A Confederação Brasileira de Hipismo comunica que foi intimada pela justiça em acão movida pelo cavaleiro Rodrigo Pessoa, a autorizar sua participação no CSI5* (Athina Onassis International Horse Show 2008).
A entidade já comunicou o fato a Federação Eqüestre Internacional, que estuda providencias.

Imprensa CBH
Presscom Comunicação
Responsável pela nota: Imprensa CBH

This is from the Brazilian Eq Federation, thought you guys that can read spanish might want to read it....

[Mardi]

Rodrigo said that while his appeal is pending, time was running out and he had to enter the competition in Brazil, despite the FEI sanction against him.

Sadly what he failed to grasp is that in the long run, his decision to defy his supension will do more harm to his reputation, career and the Pessoa name than any medal, title, or prize money he may win in Sao Paulo.

[Mardi]

It's Portugese, not Spanish....

Here's the translation:

"10/14/2008 - OFFICIAL NOTICE THE Brazilian Confederation of Equestrianism communicates that was suggested by the justice in acão moved by the rider Rodrigo Person, it authorizes his participation in the CSI5* (Athina Onassis International Horse Show 2008). The entity already communicated the fact to the International Equestrian Federation, that studies you provide."

CBH Press
Presscom Communication
Responsible for note: CBH Press"

So basicially it's what we already know, the court told the Brazilian Federation to let him show.

[jn1193]

GrandPrixJumper - LOL! It's in Portuguese, not Spanish... But basically, it says that the Brazilians are letting Rodrigo compete. This competition offers some incredible prize money - apparently total costs to put the thing on is around $10 million, so it's no surprise Rodrigo wants to be there.

BTW - his father just did a 3 day clinic in Brasilia, where he charged (and got) $1000 per horse/rider. No joke. $1k. The cousin of one of my clients here attended & I am waiting to hear how it went. It would appear that the Pessoa name is so far not suffering in their home country.

[jn1193]

Mardi - you beat me to it!

I just happen to have a Brazilian client & have picked up a little Portuguese as a result.

It would seem that the Brazilian Federation is kind of spitting in the FEI's eye, so it will be interesting to see if the FEI censures the event as a result. But show jumping down there is second basically to soccer as a national sport so excluding Pessoa from competing might have been seen as more problem than fighting the FEI.

If Brazil gets away with this, in the long term, it will seriously undermine FEI's authority. Just my opinion.

[Mardi]

This competition offers some incredible prize money - apparently total costs to put the thing on is around $10 million, so it's no surprise Rodrigo wants to be there.

His EGO wants to be there.

"Sports do not build character; they reveal it." (John Wooden)

Also..I wonder how willing the Brazilian Federation is in this situation. Rodrigo had to go to court in Brazil in order to get an injunction against his suspension. Surely the Brazilian Federation knows the FEI will go after them as well as Rodrigo.

[Eventer13]

His EGO wants to be there.

Or his pocketbook.

[flshgordon]

Listen, rules are rules. If he does not agree with the FEI rules then he should work within the org. to get them changed. Not thumb his nose at the FEI.

He is acting like a spoiled brat and I have lost some respect for Rodrigo Pessoa.

And I totally disagree. I have GAINED some respect for him. It is time for someone IMPORTANT like RP to step up and say what really needs to be said about these bullsh#t FEI regulations. They need a major overhaul, they need some transparency and they need some serious oversight. These idiots are out of control if they can detect such tiny amounts of things that are known to have an effect at certain levels. If they can test the levels, surely they can also figure out at what level the substance would be performance enhancing and not a contamination issue. If they can't devise a test to tell the difference, then they are bigger idiots than even I thought.

As for those who say he needs to learn to learn about sterilization....LMAO!!! You should talk to one of my doctors who filled me in the other day on a little study. I am particularly allergic to cats and they were urging me to get allergy shots because of it. I mentioned to her that I never touch cats, don't go near them, in houses where they are, etc. She then pointed to the examnation room chair and told me "there is cat on that chair".....You have no idea what kind of cross contamination lives on everyone's clothing, shoes, in their hair, etc etc.

No way in hell are they ever going to sterilize any horse environment enough to prevent any little thing from entering the "sacred circle" or whatever. The FEI needs to get a clue and join the modern world. It is an outdated organization with outdated rules that they continue to develop into more outdated rules. They are a joke. Finally someone has decided to stand up to them. I hope it turns out in his favor.

[Biscotti]

And I totally disagree. I have GAINED some respect for him. It is time for someone IMPORTANT like RP to step up and say what really needs to be said about these bullsh#t FEI regulations. They need a major overhaul, they need some transparency and they need some serious oversight. These idiots are out of control if they can detect such tiny amounts of things that are known to have an effect at certain levels. If they can test the levels, surely they can also figure out at what level the substance would be performance enhancing and not a contamination issue. If they can't devise a test to tell the difference, then they are bigger idiots than even I thought.

As for those who say he needs to learn to learn about sterilization....LMAO!!! You should talk to one of my doctors who filled me in the other day on a little study. I am particularly allergic to cats and they were urging me to get allergy shots because of it. I mentioned to her that I never touch cats, don't go near them, in houses where they are, etc. She then pointed to the examnation room chair and told me "there is cat on that chair".....You have no idea what kind of cross contamination lives on everyone's clothing, shoes, in their hair, etc etc.

No way in hell are they ever going to sterilize any horse environment enough to prevent any little thing from entering the "sacred circle" or whatever. The FEI needs to get a clue and join the modern world. It is an outdated organization with outdated rules that they continue to develop into more outdated rules. They are a joke. Finally someone has decided to stand up to them. I hope it turns out in his favor.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Well said 100%

[Jumphigh83]

When the FEI rules were written there was no testing that is a sensitive as it is today. I agree with him to challenge the rule. The minute amounts of forbidden substances coming from grooms hands makes compliance nearly impossible. Who can be sure WHAT substance will compromise compliance? I really believe the trace amounts offer no competitive benefit so why punish they guy (who makes his LIVING riding and showing) for something well beyond his ability to control? Threshold levels need to be established and changing the rule to bring it in line with the much more sophisticated testing techniques is what is needed here. Certainly not finger pointing and vitriol. I admire his willingness to challenge authority and question the purpose and efficacy of the "no forbidden substance" rule. It is only "doping" if it affects the horses' (or riders') performance. Other than that, it is simply contamination.