A short while ago, the independent disciplinary panel exploring the circumstances under which my samples tested positive for the stimulant oxilofrine handed down a sanction. I will confirm that the panel handed down an 18-month suspension.
This ruling is not only unfair, it is patently unjust. Panels such as these, I understood, were assembled to allow athletes who, consciously or unconsciously come into conflict with the rules of sport, a chance at equitable redemption. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
As an athlete, I took a legal supplement—Ephiphany D1. As it turns out, that supplement was contaminated with oxilofrine. My team commissioned two private laboratories that confirmed that oxilofrine was present in the supplements, despite it not being listed as an ingredient on the bottle nor on it’s website. I would also like to share that upon realizing that the supplement contained oxilofrine my team made contact with both The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) who not only ordered samples of the supplement from the manufacturer, but also tested and confirmed our findings. The USADA has also since issued a warning on their website for athletes to avoid the product as it contains banned substances. http://www.usada.org/forms.asp?uid=3588
This is the 1st time in nearly 12 years of being in the sport and over 150 tests that I have had an adverse finding…it is for a stimulant… a stimulant that that is only banned during competition and experts have declared has no performance enhancing effects. Sanctions for a stimulant and this kind of infraction usually range from public warnings to a ban of three months, six months in the most extreme cases; I was and am still more than prepared to accept a sanction that is in line with the offense. Instead; 9 months later; what has been handed down is clearly not based on the offense nor the facts surrounding it.
My team has begun preparations for an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland. I want to reiterate that I have never knowingly taken any banned substances, I did all the necessary checks before taking Ephiphany D1 and it is my hope that The CAS will prove to be a more open and fair avenue for the review of all the facts in my case; facts and truth that the were not taken into to consideration at my initial hearing.
Asafa, rest assured your supporters are 100% behind you and believe in you. We know you are a man of integrity and look forward to seeing you on the track soon!
First they should look at it’s your career you job your a house hold name an inspiration to youths so setting an example so know that you not aware of the findings after so long why this lengthy bond to try and demotivated a tower of strength like you than bring Jamaican across the world to what and be proud of I’m furious about this little more than you because I hate to see Jamaican on the news and it’s not something positive and we are from the greatest place on earth.. Cross angry miserable
i am sorry to hear of the results asafa, i do believe you both will be vindicated, keep on with your training, i’m sure these penalties will be overturned.
Hey Asafa
Its heartbreaking to hear the news. But I still believe you are the greatest 100m sprinter ever. I hope to see you back on the track in 2015. Honestly, it would be an honour for me to see my favourite athlete complete his 100th sub-10s. All the best in the coming days. Stay strong and may God bless you!
You are an excellent athlete and a threat to their agenda…and you are Jamaican. There is always injustice in organizations that decide they should be in control…even more so when they have any opportunity to bring down a giant or ones they can’t “buy”! I hope that the appeal is successful and yields a more just ruling.
One Love!
So so sorry…keep prayers alive.
This is unjust and I pray that Asafa’s name is cleared and he can return to the track where he deserves to be. Asafa never tried to hide anything nor Jamaica for that matter and have been nothing but cooperative and honest. I believe that this is just someone trying to tarnish Jamaica’s reputation simply because on the track our athletes are the best. Asafa I will always support your cause in your career you have been nothing but humble and made Jamaica proud. Keep the faith!
I believe in u r a good person dont give life with all kind of ups n down so stay strong i am praying for u GOD speed asafa go with u
big man me know say a the truth you a talk you dont get a fair hearing
Asafa, PLEASE follow through ALL the way with the CAS arbitration in writing! From all accounts they seem to be fair & unbiased. Do NOT trust WADA, JADCO, IAAF or the JAAA to have your best interests at heart. One love mi bredda!
Asafa, PLEASE follow through ALL the way with the CAS arbitration in writing!
Always have my support Sub_10 king!!!