TAC Doesn’t Attempt to Derail Barnes’ Bid

Shotputter Randy Barnes is a day closer to competing in the Olympic track and field trials Tuesday because The Athletics Congress took no court action to prevent the banned world record-holder from throwing on Friday.

Barnes received a preliminary injunction from a state circuit court judge in West Virginia on Monday, giving him the right to compete in the shot--even though he is serving a two-year suspension for steroid use.

TAC announced Monday night that Barnes, who is not entered in the meet, would not be allowed to compete. But according to Barnes’ attorney, TAC has taken no legal action to prevent the thrower’s participation.

“We are going to send Randy with a court order, and he’ll compete,” said Anne Shaffer of Charleston, W.Va., speaking for Barnes.

Told that TAC contends that a West Virginia judge has no jurisdiction in Louisiana, Shaffer said, “That’s a lot of bunk.”