In January 2012 the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Enzo Lezzi after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance 19-norandrosterone, metabolite of nandrolone. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athelete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the SAIDS Disciplinary Committee.
The 48 years old amateur cyclist admitted the violation and stated that he suffered from an injury relating to arthritis in the knees. Therefore the prescribed substance Deca Durabolin was administered out of season through double injections in both knee joint by his sister, an apaediatrician. The Athlete’s statement was sustained by his medical file presented to the Committee.
Considering the circumstances in this case the Committee finds that the Athlete bears no significant fault or negligence. Therefore the SAIDS Discliplinary Committee decideds to impose a 15 month period of inelgilibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the notification, i.e. on 21 November 2011.
