Cone of silence

There will be an arbitration hearing for Jessica Hardy, the Long Beach swimmer who tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. But she is racing against the clock, so to speak, in her appeal to swim at the Beijing Games.

Hardy remains on the team and will stay on the roster until the appeal process runs its course.

So what's the arbitration process?

Her lawyer Howard Jacobs responded promptly on Wednesday to an e-mail query: "The Panel has stated that under the rules, the date and location of the hearing are confidential, sorry."

He also declined to discuss defense strategies "for now."

So all we know is that the hearing will be this week. Or it could very well being going on right now.

Time to go dig out a most-appropriate CD, "Sounds of Silence."

-- Lisa Dillman

Photo: Jessica Hardy listens to the U.S. national anthem after winning the 100-meter breastroke during an April meet in England. Credit: Leon Neal / AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[Douglas]

For the sake of her future in this sport - as well as Tara Kirk and Lara Jackson's I believe the arbitration proceddings should be transparent in stead of secret - in all ways. So that all those concerned could move forward with the benefit of a public understanding and appreciation as to everything that has transpired since U.S.A Swimming made the unfortunate decision to know about these banned substance results and only sit on that knowledge - refusing on the day of the Olympic team deadline to proactively do the right thing by simply addiing Tara Kirk and Lara Jackson's names to the U.S Team roster. Transparency is what is needed right now - due to the absence of integrity in the suspect cloistered decision making to date.

[tempus]

Indeed, Douglas. This disgusting secrecy reeks of backroom politics, under-the-table deals, and actions which will not bear the light of day or public scrutiny. What exactly is being hidden here, and WHY?