Simona Halep is the latest athlete to be caught in the doping scandal. She has been away from the sport for more than a year and had tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat at the US Open last year. Since then, Halep has been fighting for her to be back on court. Her case has been delayed many times, which has further postponed her arrival in the court.
Halep had said that she would be fighting the case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. She has hired a lawyer who previously led the case for Maria Sharapova. Howard Jacobs is one of the most prominent lawyers in the sporting industry. He has represented over 300 professional athletes in the past and specializes in cases like doping, salary issues, and endorsement issues. Halep will hope that CAS overturns the doping ban.
We will continue to fight for a just result for Simona Halep, and look forward to presenting her case at CAS https://t.co/S0ReCotXTL
— Law Offices of Howard L. Jacobs (@athleteslawyer) September 12, 2023
Jacobs had represented Sharapova when she was banned from the sport for 15 months in 2016. The former player had failed a doping test as she was taking Meladonium, which was recently banned. Sharapova, like Halep, could not find much support on tour. Halep was not very welcoming upon Sharapova’s return to the court. This time, the Romanian can expect the same when she returns on the tour.
Simona Halep did not show support during Maria Sharapova’s struggle
The doping scandals have always affected an athlete’s career, they question their integrity to the sport. The ban brings a gap in their career as it also serves as a stern reminder to the younger athletes. The consequences are heavy as it also affects their image of the sport, which hits the endorsements. Sharapova was heavily critiqued when she was serving her ban.
Halep was also asked by a reporter in 2016 whether she had spoken to Sharapova. Halep responded by saying, “I didn’t speak with her before, there’s no reason to speak now.” Halep also mentioned that players have to be very careful with what they eat and drink. She also said that one has to check updates every year on the list of doping items.
Halep will now have to appeal at CAS and wait for their decision. The former world No.1 last won a title in the 2022 season at Toronto and only has a few years left in her professional career. The 31-year-old has vowed to make a comeback on tour with a positive image.