Rugby League player banned for attempted use of clenbuterol
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) today acknowledged the decision of the Leagues Anti-Doping Tribunal (the Tribunal) to impose a sports ban on Country Rugby League player Jake Law for the attempted use of clenbuterol.
As a government authority, ASADA works closely with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to investigate the trafficking of prohibited drugs, medications and substances.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service intercepted a package on 28 January 2011 and notified ASADA. Following an extensive investigation by ASADA, the matter was referred to the Country Rugby League as a potential violation of its anti-doping policy.
The Tribunal imposed a two-year ban on Mr Law for the attempted use of a prohibited substance. The ban, which was backdated to the date of his provisional suspension, means he is ineligible to participate as an athlete or support person in sports with a World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) compliant anti-doping policy until 19 December 2014.
Possession, use or attempted use by athletes of clenbuterol is prohibited at all times under the Code, and penalties for breaches can potentially include a lifetime ban for second offences.
An athlete does not have to succeed in using a prohibited substance or method – if there is sufficient evidence that the athlete has attempted to use a prohibited substance or method, they can be sanctioned.
Unsupervised use of clenbuterol can worsen pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension, and there is a risk of overdose and stroke when used at high doses. It is a potentially dangerous drug that, as well as being banned under the Code, is not approved for human use in Australia.
This matter serves as a timely reminder to all athletes to exercise the utmost caution in checking the contents of products and supplements to ensure they don’t contain prohibited substances, particularly those purchased over the internet.
ASADA’s website – www.asada.gov.au – has a comprehensive range of anti-doping information and educational materials, including an online Check Your Substances tool, to help athletes understand and meet their anti-doping responsibilities. ASADA can also be contacted directly on 13 000 ASADA (27232).
