In June 2022 the United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rugby player Joseph Lewis after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Amfetamine.
Following notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete explained that he was diagnosed with ADHD and as treatment used prescribed medication, Elvanse-Adult, which contained Amfetamine.
Thereupon the Athlete's retroactive application for a TUE was denied. UKAD's Review Panel deemed that the Athlete had failed to make a TUE application in advance for his prescribed medication.
Hereafter in November 2022 the Athlete admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the substance. In his defence the Athlete asserted that prior he had indeed had checked the medication and had attempted to apply for a TUE.
The Athlete acknowledged that prior for his prescribed ADHD medication Elvanse-Adult he only had checked whether the medication brand name was present on the WADA Prohibited List. A few months later he realised his mistake and became aware that the ingredient lisdexamfetamine in his medication was a prohibited substance.
The Athlete asserted that he was hampered in his effort to apply timely for a TUE because a different ADHD assessment was required with a waiting list of almost 6 months. While waiting for his assessment he continued to use his medication and to play rugby without a valid TUE.
In view of the evidence UKAD accepts that the Athlete's violation was not intentional. However due to his conduct UKAD concludes that he failed to establish No Significant Fault or Negligence.
Therefore UKAD decides on 17 August 2023 to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 14 June 2022.
