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. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and Respondent was heard for the Tribunal.
Respondent admitted the violation. The Tribunal accepted evidence that the Cannabis was taken in a social setting at a party and was not used for sports performance enhancing purposes. The Tribunal did not consider that there were any mitigating factors. There were aggravating factors in that Respondent is an experienced athlete who knew he was taking a prohibited substance which he took the night before the tournament.
The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a 2 month period of ineligibility on the Respondent, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 30 March 2009.
