On last night’s show, I mentioned the Associated Press story about how the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is paying so much for the Floyd Landis appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport that it is going to take 5 – 10% out of their annual budget.

Today, the Associated Press reports (via the International Herald Tribune) reports that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is stepping in to cover USADA’s expenses.

According to the AP story, “One source familiar with the arrangement told The Associated Press that WADA was footing the entire bill; another said ‘most’ of the bill. Neither agreed to be identified because of the sensitivity of the case.”

What is also interesting is that WADA made the decision to step in when it became apparent that the International Cycling Union (UCI) refused to offer any assistance to USADA. According to WADA, this was “disappointing, particularly as it is a case under UCI rules.”

Personally, I don’t see why anyone is upset that USADA, WADA, or any other alphabet soup group has to foot the bill for this case. Part of the reason they exist is not only to test athletes, but also to adjudicate cases of suspected doping. If this is part of your business and your charter, then budget for it.

Typical pseudo-governmental agency. I’m surprised they aren’t considering a doping tax to be added to the purchase of all new bicycles sold in the U.S.