In July 2019 Drug Free Sport New Zealand had reported an anti-doping rule violation against the canoe Athlete Lee Marshall after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substances Androsterone, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol and Testosterone. After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand.
The Athlete gave a prompt admission and denied the intentional use. He asserted that he had used these substances as treatment for his low libido and not to enhance his sport performance.
The Tribunal considers that the Athlete gave prompt admission and that the violation was not intentional. It holds that the Athlete in his communications and evidence has been consistent that he is not a drug cheat and that the substances taking has been related to his personal challenges and difficulties, and has happened for at least 6 years.
Therefore the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decides on 27 September 2019 to impose 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the sample collection, i.e. on 16 February 2018.
