Related case:
ST 2013_03 DFSNZ vs Nigel Cordes
June 7, 2013
Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Respondent after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance 1-3 dimethylpentylamine (Methylhexaneamine). After the notification a provisional suspension was ordered. Respondent filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the Tribunal.
Respondent admitted the violation and stated it was due to a caffeine based supplement he bought from his local sports nutrition store on their recommendation. He gave evidence that, at the time he bought it and later used it, he didn’t know that it contained Methylhexaneamine. He didn’t check or make inquiries whether the supplement contained any prohibited substance. He sipped on the supplement during the day of competition to help him stay focused through a long day. He listed on the drug testing form that he had been taking that particular supplement.
The Tribunal consideres Respondent did not exercise reasonable care and was more at fault than other athletes in recent Methylhexaneamine Tribunal cases who had received suspensions of 12 months. Respondent failed to take any effective steps to identify the ingredients of the product. Therefore the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a 18 month period of ineligibility on the Respondent starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 15 August 2012. In Addition the Tribunal disqualifies Respondent second placing in the championships.
