American sprint star Wallace Spearmon has been suspended for three months after testing positive for a banned substance. The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) revealed on Friday that the three-time US 200 metres champion tested positive at a meeting in Edmonton in July for methylprednisolone, a banned substance contained in a prescribed medication Spearmon was taking under the care of a physician.
The 29-year-old, who is the seventh fastest man in history over 200m, hinted at the suspension last week on Twitter.
"In about a week, I’ll make a statement that will disappoint quite a few people," Spearmon tweeted. "I apologise in advance. Irresponsible moments."
The doping agency said that after a thorough review, it had accepted Spearmon’s explanation that the substance was not being used in an effort to enhance his performance but because he had not applied for an exemption which can be granted for legitimate medical need, he was suspended for three months.
"Morning world time to man up," Spearmon tweeted on Friday. "I imagine today will be tough but it will pass."
His ineligibility began on 27 August and he has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to 6 July, USADA stated.
SOURCE: rte.ie/sport
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