Simona Halep is harshly attacked by a well-known investigative journalist who has collaborated with “The Guardian”, “The Telegraph” and “The Times”. Nick Butler is convinced that the player from Romania manipulates public opinion and drew attention to the fact that the athlete must give explanations in two cases in which she plans doping suspicions. In one of them it is even temporarily suspended.
Simona Halep, criticized by an investigative journalist. Nick Butler says athlete ‘manipulates public opinion’
Simona Halep has regained the sympathy and support of many fans, especially from Romania, amid the doping scandal. Several supporters initiated an online petition asking the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) to stop harassing the player from Romania and to agree to a quick trial of the case.
Officials of the institution explained that they requested the postponement of the hearing scheduled for May 28 because they want Halep to give explanations about the allegations of doping with Roxadustat, but also about the irregularities in her biological passport.
An investigative journalist, who follows this case very carefully, reacted after Simona Halep came out on the attack and revealed that there is a possibility that the appearance before the judges at the Sport Resolutions tribunal will be canceled again. The third time! Nick Butler is a big name in the field and has collaborated with famous brands: “The Guardian”, “The Telegraph” and “The Times”.
“It is amazing, although perhaps not surprising, the way in which Simona Halep has managed to manipulate public opinion even though she has two doping cases. The delay he complains about is because new, very serious allegations have come to light in relation to the biological passport,” was the harsh message from investigative journalist Nick Butler.
It is amazing, although perhaps not surprising, how Simona Halep has been able to dictate narrative around her (two!) doping cases.
The further delay she complains about is because new, very serious, biological passport allegations have arisen. https://t.co/HKdElyZfwu
— Nick Butler (@NickJMButler) May 23, 2023
Simona Halep was provisionally suspended on October 7, 2022, and she played her last match on August 29 at the US Open. Eight months ago she was ranked No. 9 in the WTA, and this week she started at No. 34 in the world rankings.