Uncontrollable Struggles

So, what is an athlete to do that can compete in the 2012 U.S. Track and Field Trials and not the Olympics.    LaShawn Merritt is the 2008 Olympic champion and 2009 World champion in the 400m race.  He also tested positive on three different occasions for the use of anabolic steroids.  Unfortunately, due to these circumstances and the need for his punishment, Merritt is unable to compete for a total of 24 months at a minimum if he does not violate this law during that period of time.  Due to the length of his suspension time from the sport and competition his case had to be presented before the Olympic Committee to be ruled that he was unable to compete in the next Olympics.  So far, recent news detected that Merritt has been abiding the rules and has not used the steroid and therefore, is rewarded by only having to be suspended for 21 months instead of the original 24.  So far, this reduction raises hopes that just maybe the punishment will be reduced again, but not one can get their hopes up yet.  Only time will tell if Merritt will make an appearance at the 2012 Olympics or if he will have to wait until the time presents itself again.