Related case:
CAS 2016/A/4371 Robert Lea vs USADA )
May 4, 2016
In September 2015 the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Robert Lea after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance noroxycodone (metabolite of oxycodone).
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Commercial Arbitration Tribunal.
USADA requested the Tribunal to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete for the intentional ingestion of a prohibited substance while in competition.
The Athlete admitted that he had used prescribed Percocet for his athletic injuries and without intention to enhance his performance. He stated that the medication was used out of competition more than 12 hours before the next competition and argued that a 3 month suspension from competition is appropriate.
Considering the circumstances the Panel concludes that the Athlete acted with significant fault because he failed to research the ingredients before using the medication out of competition and without intention to enhance his performance.
Therefore on 5 January 2016 the Tribunal decides to impose a 16 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 10 September 2015.
