In October 2017 United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rugby player Zak Hardaker after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Cocaine.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement with evidence in his defence and he was heard for the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP).
The Athlete gave a prompt admission, denied the intentional use of the substance and argued that there are grounds for a reduced sanction. He testified that at the time in question he suffered a very distressing personal situation. As a result he went out with a friend drinking excessive quantities of alcohol, and then taking Cocaine at the end of the evening when he was completely intoxicated.
The Panel accepted the Athlete’s statement and evidence and concludes that the use of the Cocaine was out-of-competition in a context unrelated to sport performance.
Considering No Significant Fault or Negligence the NADP decides on 6 April 2018 to impose a 14 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the sample collection, i.e. on 8 September 2017.
