Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against Respondent after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Cannabis.
Respondent admitted the violation. The Tribunal accepted that the cannabis was taken for recreational purposes and not used for performance enhancing purposes. Respondent stated he did not intend to play in the NBL season next year, he was participating in basketball in other ways such as coaching.
The Tribunal finds that a suspension of two months beginning from the date of the decision is an effective sanction as it will prevent Respondent participating in sport in any capacity over that time period (including playing, refereeing, coaching or administrating).
Therefore the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a 2 month period of ineligibility on the Respondent, starting on 16 July 2008.
