In January 2009 the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Player after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance metenolone. In April 2009 TBF Disciplinary Board decided a 8 month period of ineligibility.
In July 2009 the Player exercised his right to be heard for the FIBA Disciplinary Panel.
The Player stated he had purchased “over the counter” medication; was not aware that the medication may contain prohibited substances; argued that he suffers from a chronic medical condition in his knees; and that he had received treatment at a medical clinic.
The Panel has serious doubts about Player’s statement and he failed to provide any scientific evidence in support of his argument.
The Panel finds the Player acted negligently without ensuring that the medication does not contain a prohibited substance. The Panel is unable to find a connection between the Player’s knee injury and the anti-doping rule violation.
Therefore the FIBA Disciplinary Panel decides a 2 year period of ineligibility.
