In January 2018 the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the boxer Joe Mullender after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance 1,3-Dimethylbutylamine (DMBA). After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the National Anti-Doping Panel.
The Athlete gave an admission and argued with evidence that the violation was not intentional as a result of his use of a contaminated supplement. On the label of this product “Intra MD Ultra peri workout formula” the DMBA was not mentioned. The Athlete explained that he suffered from dyslexia and that he used the product on the advice of his nutritionist. The Athlete believed that his nutritionist checked all details before advising him, or any other athlete, to ingest any product.
Analysis in the London Lab confirmed the presence of the Stimulant in this product. The manufacturer had since ceased trading and it was not possible to test a further sample from an unopened tube of this product from the same batch. Also it was common ground that the manufacturer was involved in issues in the USA in relation to a product which had contained DMBA within its ingredients.
UKAD accepts that the Athlete’s violation was not intentional and contended that the Athlete had been significantly at fault with mitigating factors.
The Panel deems that the Athlete gave an admission, that he established that the violation was not intentional and demonstrated how the DMBA entered his system. Considering the Athlete’s conduct in this case and his degree of fault the Panel concludes that he bears No Significant Fault or Negligence.
Therefore the National Anti-Doping Panel decides on 9 August 2018 to impose a 4 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 12 January 2018.
