TURIN, Italy--At the recently concluded winter Olympic Games, Valparaiso University School of Law Associate Professor Michael Straubel, Director of the Valpo Sports Law Clinic, emerged as a voice among those concerned about tactics and methods used in antidoping efforts.

Doping control officers (DOCs) of the International Olympic Committee frequently masqueraded as fans and journalists in their contact with athletes, coaches and other members of numerous Olympic delegations. There were many reports detailing such episodes and Professor Straubel, a recognized expert on the rules and procedures governing athletic eligibility, competition and discipline, was often asked by participants and journalists for his reaction.

"It is important to strictly enforce antidoping rules. However, when the IOC sends out doping control officers disguised as reporters or fans in order to 'sneak up' on athletes and demand a urine sample, it is starting down a slippery slope toward using any and all means, means that may not be justified by the ends," said Professor Straubel.

Straubel added, "If the IOC wants to maintain its credibility and integrity, and win the war on doping, it must play by the same rules that it demands athletes play by: it must play fair and true. To do less would be to tarnish the Olympic spirit and ideal."

Professor Straubel was at the Olympics leading a team of five from the Valpo Sports Law Clinic, which provides pro bono legal assistance to amateur athletes and coaches who cannot afford such services. While in Torino, he was contacted by a number of concerned international sports figures regarding issues of doping control, competition and other matters involving the Games.

Professor Straubel was also interviewed by numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, USA Today, The San Jose Mercury News, The BBC and National Public Radio.