USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association (AAA) has delivered a verdict in the case of track and field athlete Inika McPherson of Houston, Texas. On March 17, 2023, after an evidence hearing in which both McPherson and USADA were given full opportunity to present their case and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator decided that McPherson would receive a 16-month sanction for testing positive for a prohibited substance. . .
McPherson, 36, tested positive for furosemide as a result of an out-of-competition urine sample collection on June 3, 2022. Furosemide is a Specified Substance in the class of Diuretics and Other Masking Agents and has always been prohibited under USADA. The Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing Protocol, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policy, and the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). ) Prohibited List.
McPherson’s breach occurred because another person used the prescription drug furosemide under the false belief that it is a permitted anti-inflammatory drug. The independent arbitrator determined that McPherson’s reduced degree of fault warranted a reduced sanction of 16 months from the default two-year period of ineligibility.
McPherson’s 16-month suspension began on July 22, 2022, the date of his temporary suspension. In addition, McPherson was disqualified from competitive results, including the withdrawal of all medals, points and awards obtained on or after June 3, 2022, when his positive sample was taken.
This decision, like any other arbitration award, can be found. Here.
In an effort to help athletes and support team members such as parents and coaches understand the rules that apply to them, USADA provides comprehensive instructions on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update the athlete. where, how to get permission to use a necessary medicine and the risks and dangers of taking it supplementsas well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
USADA also administers a drug reference line called the Global Drug Reference Online.GlobalDRO.com), organizes training sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a wealth of training materials such as: additional guideA nutrition guideA clean sports handbookand periodic warnings and advice.
USADA provides a variety of ways to report abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sports to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using USADA Play Clean Hint Centerwith text at 87232 (“USAADA”), by e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view.At 1-877-Play Clean (1-877-752-9253) or by mail.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement and is equally committed to maintaining the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
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Friday, 14 April 2023