Facts
The Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) reported an anti-doping rule violation against Darren Reiri, the respondent, a member of the New Zealand Rugby League. DFSNZ alleged the respondent for the attempted use of the prohibited substance Anastrozole. Anastrozole is prohibited in-competition and out-of-competition according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list.
History
In May 2013 the respondent had ordered the prohibited substance Anastrozole over the internet from a website in India. The packages were dispatched to him but intercepted by Customs, who referred the interception to Medsafe. The respondent had used protein supplements during training in order to get bigger and more muscular. On advice of a friend he ordered supplements in India. The package didn't arrive and he received a letter from New Zealand Customs telling him the package had been intercepted. After a few months he tried again ordering supplements from india, again the package with supplements was intercepted. He was then contacted on behalf of Drug Free Sport New Zealand for an interview. Although there were two Anti-Doping violations it was regarded as only one violation. The respondent claims he had wanted to use the supplements for cosmetic purposes, to get bigger and stronger. He had not given it a second thought to whether any improvements in the gym he would benefit also from his rugby league abilities.
The tribunal objectively viewed that the explanations are not persuasive especially when the respondent persisted with his attempted acquisition after his first try was foiled by Medsafe. His failure to seek advice or check his position is inexcusable. He appeared to be willing to rely on the say so of a friend who he did not want to identify. While because of his age and new priorities his degree of involvement in rugby league was lessening, the obligations remained even if it was for him more of a hobby than a sport.
Decision
Tribunal concluded the respondent fell short of establishing he did not intend to enhance his sport performance - 2 years ineligibility imposed (commencing from February 1, 2014 to take account of substantial delay in referring matter to Tribunal).
