WADA considers allowing agencies to make public comments

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is considering changing its rules and allowing its member agencies more freedom in responding to public criticism.

According to WADA Chairman Dick Pound, the proposed change to the gag rule would allow USADA to respond publicly when it believes athletes are making false or misleading statements about an ongoing investigation, according to the press agency AFP. The agencies are currently not allowed to comment on cases under investigation.

"If something is completely nonsense where someone is challenging evidence by saying there is no reliable test for X and there is, then it would be nice to be able to say the test is reliable," Pound said. The proposed changes are scheduled to be discussed at the World Conference on Doping in Sport next November.

Over the weekend, Floyd Landis accused the USADA of using "criminal tactics" in its case against him. However, Pound denied that this was the basis for the proposed change. He said, "The consultation process started last fall. We are going to decide whether or not to amend the code. If there is stuff being made public that is misinformation then you can decide to respond to it so the public and athletes are not confused."