In October 2021 the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the wheelchair tennis player Taylor Graham for his refusal to submit to sample collection.
In September 2021 the Doping Control Officer (DCO) established that the Athlete was not present at his residence for out-of-competition testing. When called the Athlete confirmed that he was at his in-law's home for dinner and declined the DCO's offer to meet. He explained that he was no longer on the team, intended to retire, yet had not filed the required paperwork to retire.
When informed about the consequences the Athlete still refused to submit to sample collection and after the DCO had read the Athlete Refusal Form the Athlete confirmed.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete fully admitted in his written statement his refusal due to his intention to retire but failure to communicate this to USADA. Based on the evidence in this case the Arbitrator concludes that the Athlete's refusal was intentional or at a minimum was negligent.
Therefore the Amercan Arbitration Association Commercial Tribunal decides on 20 April 2022 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 15 October 2021.
