It doesn’t even take a conviction for supporters and commentators to turn on even the greatest once there is a sniff of deception.

Athletes taking “juice”, banned medication or breaking boundaries with illegal training methods is no new thing.

Think back to the East Germans of the 1970s, China’s swim team during the 1990s or the state-sponsored Russian doping scandal this decade.

Weightlifting, cycling and athletics are just three sports as well known for their brilliant moments as they are for their souped up stars, who disappointingly undermine the credibility of competition for the “real” athletes and spectators.

It is a sad indictment when one can’t help but think watching from afar which competitor in the peloton, pack or breaking manpower records is not playing by the rules?

Many athletes when convicted, banned or stripped of accolades try and make a comeback but the sporting community is rarely welcoming with open arms.

The latest athlete to try and do it is Russian tennis prodigy Maria Sharapova.

The 30-year-old, who failed an anti-doping test for heart drug Meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open, received a 15-month ban and returned to make the semi finals at a WTA tournament in Stuttgart last month.

Decisions to grant Sharapova wildcard entry into German event, the ongoing Madrid Open and the upcoming competition in Rome have been criticised by her peers.

The five-time grand slam champion and former world No.1’s ranking stands at 262, which is not high enough to guarantee her acceptance into the tour’s major events.

Canada's Eugenie Bouchard labeled Sharapova a “cheat” and as someone that should not be allowed back on the tour, while Caroline Wozniacki said inviting her to tournaments is “disrespectful” and that anyone “who is out for doping should start from scratch”.

It is possible Sharapova could climb the WTA rankings high enough to take a spot in the main draw of the French Open and Wimbledon but it is highly likely she will controversially need a wildcard pass either into the main draw or qualifying.

Sharapova will find out her Roland Garros fate on May 16 with the All England Club’s decision to follow on June 20.

Some say the glamour athlete and one of the sport’s biggest names has paid her dues with time on the sidelines for what, in comparison to some, was a relatively minor offence.

They also argue that she is a high-profile star the women's draw need with pregnant champion Serena Williams taking time-out and a wildcard would only provide Sharapova the chance to play at the highest level again.

From there she must win matches, earn points and work her way back to the top. However, the counter argument is much more staunch, and like Wozniacki, there are supporters that believe Sharapova should start from ground zero and spend months climbing the tree again via tournaments worth $20,000 rather than millions.

They believe the sport should make a statement for all dopers.

One tends to agree – too many sports openly forgive and leave the door wide open with a warm glass of milk waiting for their return.

A hall pass is wrongful reward for those that infringe, and while Sharapova is arguably not in cyclist Lance Armstrong or athletes Ben Johnson and Marion Jones’ echelon of con artists, any that is found guilty should have to do the hard yards on their return.

For far too long the integrity of sport has been taken for a ride by drug cheats or match-fixers.

A suspension is a suspension but the punishment should include the consequence that follows on return and in Sharapova’s case that means a little hard work ahead.

Tennis administrators have some interesting decisions to make in coming weeks with the entire sporting public watching and waiting with interest.