Related case:
MPTS 2854524 Dr Richard Freeman
March 19, 2021
Dr Richard Freeman is a former sports physician known for his work with British Cycling and Team Sky.
Following investigations United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) established that Dr Freeman in May 2011 had ordered 30 sachets of Testogel (Testosterone gel). These 30 sachets had been delivered to the National Cycling Centre in Manchester and were addressed to Dr Freeman.
Thereupon UKAD established that Dr Freeman had provided false statements about the purpose of the Testogel. Dr Freeman claimed that the Testogel was used as treatment for a 'non-rider' patient and that the Testogel had been returned to the supplier for destruction.
Consequently in December 2020 UKAD reported two anti-doping rule violations against Dr Freeman for possession of Testogel in 2011 and for Tampering in 2017 by providing false statements to UKAD in respect of ordering the Testogel.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. In April 2017 UKAD made a referral to the General Medical Council (GMC) in respect of UKAD's concerns relating to Dr Freeman's conduct and fitness to practise.
On 12 March 2021 the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) determined that Dr Freeman had ordered Testogel and had lied to UKAD whilst under investigation. As a result the MPTS decided to erase Dr Freeman from the General Medical Council's Medical register.
Hereafter the High Court dismissed on 16 January 2023 Dr Freeman's Appeal and confirmed the Appealed MPTS Decision. Thereupon UKAD could resume its investigations and the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) could conclude its proceedings against Dr Freeman.
The Panel is comfortably satisfied that the evidence establishes that Dr Freeman intended to make available to one or more of his athletes the Testogel delivered to the National Cycling Centre in Manchester. Also the evidence established that Dr Freeman committed the second Tampering charge by conduct that subverted Doping Control.
Therefore the National Anti-Doping Panel decides on 20 July 2023 to impose a 4 year period of ineligibility on Dr Freeman, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 22 December 2020.
