In September 2015 the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Greg Pizza after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance testosterone with a T/E ratio above the WADA threshold.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete then applied for a TUE with USADA which was considered and dismissed. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and was heard for the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Commercial Arbitration Tribunal.
The Athlete admitted the violation and stated that he used prescribed testosterone for his condition starting in 2013 and with an increased treatment in December 2014 without intention to enhance his performance.
The Panel finds that the violation was not intentional and that the Athlete did not know taking his prescribed testosterone therapy was an anti-doping rule violation nor did he perceive any risk at all.
With No Significant Fault or Negligence the Panel accepts his explanation that he was under the impression that bringing his testosterone level into the "normal" range would not be an anti-doping rule violation.
Therefore the AAA Tribunal Panel decides on 18 July 2016 to impose a 12 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 11 September 2015.
