Spearmon accepts doping ban

WallaceSpearmon

Spearmon tested positive to methylprednisolone in Edmonton in July, the 200m specialist forced to sit out of competition by the United States Anti-Doping Authority (USADA).

The doping body was sympathetic to Spearmon's reasoning for the substance being in his system, the 29-year-old claiming it was a part of his "therapeutic" medicine.

Spearmon's ban was backdated to August 27.

"Morning world, time to man up. I imagine today will be tough but it will pass. Let's get it," the sprinter Tweeted on Friday.

Spearmon's best time over 200m is 19.65 seconds, set in Daegu in 2006, making him the seventh-fastest man - and fifth-fastest American - over the distance all-time.

He is a World Championship gold medallist, as a part of the American 4x100m team in Osaka in 2007.

USADA's statement said they took into account Spearmon's reasoning for taking the substance, despite not applying for an exemption.

"After a thorough review of the case, including Spearmon's medical records, USADA has accepted Spearmon's explanation that the methylprednisolone was not being used in an effort to enhance his performance and that he was taking the prescribed medication in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician," the statement read.

"USADA can grant a Therapeutic Use Exemption ("TUE") in situations where an athlete has a legitimate medical need to use a substance or method listed on the WADA Prohibited List; however, Spearmon failed to apply for a TUE prior to using the medication."

Author(s)