What are your views on the Sharapova controversy?

Let me begin by saying that I share your frustration over how professional sports deal with the problem of PED cheaters, as do most sports fans I know and encounter.  However, I do think that rigorous bans are a good start.

In Sharapova's case, her suspension was overturned after some months, if I recall correctly.  When I mentioned that her case was not as black-and-white as others, I recall it happening somewhat like this: she had long been prescribed meldonium (which had been controversial for some time, but was not yet on the rules-violation list for tennis, and was in her case prescribed by a doctor - whether ethically or not, I cannot say) for a period of many years, perhaps most of her professional career. At the beginning of the year, meldonium was to become officially disallowed in professional tennis, and Sharapova was notified by a standard email.  She claimed not to have read the email and tested positive for the drug during the Aussie Open.

Tennis in general has been known for particularly long and strict bans for PED violations.  As far as I know, a compelling case needs to be presented to get a ban overturned or shortened.  I know of one other case where a ban was overturned and it seemed at the time the player had some grounds for refutation, but I personally do not know how common it is.

Meldonium has long been popular among eastern European (particularly Russian) athletes, but in some cases is prescribed. 

I hope I have these facts straight - most of what I've explained here depends on my accurate recall of what I've read in the past.

I think most of what you wrote is more or less consistent with what I recall and tried to explain, although I didn't get into contemplating whether or not she was truthful in my posts.

Certainly I agree strongly with your words I chose to highlight.

That said, I am still formulating my views on whether a lifetime ban is appropriate for PED offenses (not only in Sharapova's case, but across sports), or if rigorous bans for over a season might suffice.

The controversy over Sharapova in the present has focused on whether or not she is at all deserving of a wildcard spot rather than having to play through qualifying rounds.  I think I have a good guess where you stand on that.

Also, thanks for the discussion.

Thank you - I meant to mention at some point the stiff criticism from her colleagues.  It's sort of why I framed the OP within the context of Bouchard's position.  And you're right, it has been pretty much categorical and somewhat unique among PED scandals I recall across different sports.  For the record, it's not just the women, but also many of the men in the sport who have been vocal.

I think Serena made some sympathetic remarks (perhaps ironically, given their past history), but that's about it.  Her longtime friend Djokovic seemed somewhat kind/sympathetic when he was asked, but was specific that she should pay the price for breaking the rules.

That would be a sight to behold, driving down the freeway and seeing Maria Sharapova, orange-vested and reflecting the sun in her 6'3" glory, picking up litter off the shoulder!