Athletics coach Drummond handed eight-year ban for doping violation

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An independent panel from the American Court of Arbitration for Sport (AAA) found Drummond - a track and field coach - guilty of possessing, trafficking and administering banned performance enhancing substances to an athlete under his care as coach.

Drummond's suspension will come into effect as of December 17, 2004, with the 46-year-old prohibited from coaching, training or advising athletes and participating or coaching at any event sanctioned by USA Track and Field or the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

 "Coaches have an inherent responsibility to protect athletes- not take advantage of them- but to ensure that they receive the support, training and advice they need to win fairly and in accordance with the rules," said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart following a two-day evidentiary hearing.

Tygart added: "Drummond failed to act in the manner expected of a coach of athletes in the Olympic Movement. 

"A coach cannot lead an athlete to into the danger of using prohibited substances. . . A coach must be a watchdog when it comes to prohibited substances."

American sprinter Gay - a former 100metre and 200m world champion, received a one-year suspension and forfeited his 2012 Olympic Games silver medal after testing positive for an anabolic steroid earlier this year.

Gay's ban was reduced from the maximum two-year penalty having assisted USADA during their investigation.

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