Russia has been banned from competing at next year's Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang by the International Olympic Committee.

 The Schmid report has found evidence of "the systemic manipulation of the anti-doping rules and system" which back up previous allegations of government involvement in cheating in the run-up to and during the Winter Olympics almost four years ago.

Bach said: "This was an unprecedented attack on the integrity of the Olympic Games and sport. This should draw a line under this damaging episode and serve as a catalyst for a more effective anti-doping system."

But Russian athletes who can prove they are clean would be allowed to compete in South Korea under a neutral flag.

More at the source: http://www.bbc.com/sport/winter-sports/42242007

Thoughts? I'm rather shocked, never thought the IOC would have the balls to ban Russia.

Generally it is a good thing that the IOC are striving to do something against doping. I just feel that there are other nations that obviously have organized doping (e.g. Jamaican sprinters, Kenyan long-distance runners). Consequently they would need to punish them too and ban them in 2020 at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. I doubt that this will happen.

Wow, so without the NHL or Russian players, ice hockey is going to be boring.

I never thought they'd go through with it. I support the decision but I do feel for the legitimate Russian athletes who got their dreams crushed because their government is corrupt.

Now, let's see what this means for olympic hockey since now it's almost certain the KHL will prevent their players from going.

They can still go as individual athletes, that just can't represent Russia.

Agree 100%. I believe there's doping in every major sport and that it's naive to think otherwise. With so much money and glory at stake, people will do whatever it takes to get whatever competitive edge they can get. I doubt the relevant sporting authorities would ever let on though, as they wouldn't want to damage their cash cow.

I think individual Russian athletes can still compete but they must do so under a neutral flag.

Like some others mentioned, this sucks because of the legit athletes and hockey talent.

On the other hand, why do these idiots think they'll get away with it? Like, damn how stupid are they? DON'T CHEAT.

Oh that's great then. Can they still win gold medals and stuff?

Deserved. State sponsored doping should never, ever be tolerated.