In December 2022 the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the recreational Athlete Toccata Murphy for the use of the prohibited substance Prasterone (Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA).
In July 2022 the Athlete (53) had mentioned a high number of supplements and medications on her Doping Control Form including her prior use of the DHEA supplement although she didn't test positive for this substance. She explained in October 2022 to USADA with medical information that she had used this over-the-counter DHEA supplement for her diagnosed health problems.
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in her defence and she was heard for the American Court of Arbitration for Sport Panel. (AAA). Meanwhile the Athlete's application for a retroactive TUE was granted by USADA in April 2023.
The Athlete admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the substance. She asserted that she had attempted to mention properly all the supplements and medications she had used on the Doping Control Form.
She argued that USA Track and Field (ASATF) failed to provide proper anti-doping information to recreational athletes. Further she acknowledged that she was not aware that she needed to research the DHEA supplement more thoroughly.
USADA accepted that the Athlete's violation was not intentional and that she had demonstrated that she acted with some degree of of Fault or Negligence. USADA considered that she had mentioned her supplements and medications on the Doping Control Form while she had not received any formal anti-doping education from either USADA or USATF.
The Sole Arbitrator determines that the violation of the recreational Athlete was not intentional due to her use of the DHEA supplement. In view of the evidence the Arbitrator rules that the Athlete acted with No Significant Fault or Negligence.
The Sole Arbitrator deems that while the Athlete’s mistake was careless, it was understandable given her lack of anti-doping education and personal stress related to her health conditions. It is concluded that her error was careless but not highly careless given the totality of the circumstances and is a basis for reducing the Athlete’s subjective capacity to act according to the required standards.
Therefore the AAA Tribunal decides on 6 July 2023 to impose an 8 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 9 December 2022.
