In February 2016 the South African Institute for Drugfree Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the powerlifter Craig Masson for his refusal to submit to sample collection. After notification the Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel.
SAIDS reported that in December 2015 on 3 occasions the Athlete was not present at his home. On the 4th occasion on 9 December 2015 at his home the Athlete refused to provide an urine and blood sample.
The Athlete pleaded not guilty on the ground that he had no intention to refuse and that he had a compelling justification not to be tested on 9 December 2015. The Athlete claimed that he was victimized in the sport. By hearsay he was informed that a person disliked him and had reported him in order to be tested by SAIDS.
The Athlete asserted that he sought clarity from the Doping Control Officers (DCO’s). He had prepared a letter in order to protect his family for harassment which had to be signed by the DCO’s. In this letter the Athlete demanded certain conditions for his co-operation. Without these conditions the Athlete refused to provide a sample.
The Panel did not accept the Athlete’s explanation and finds that he failed to produce any witness to confirm the hearsay and that the evidence about the alleged person is inadmissible and not to be considered in this case. Also the Athlete didn’t demonstrate that he was unaware of the risk to be sanctioned by SAIDS nor did he establish a compelling justification for his refusal to provide a sample.
The SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel concludes that the Athlete committed the anti-doping rule violation and decides on 16 March 2016 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete.
