• London Olympics 2012

US sprinter eligible for London 2012 despite doping ban

ESPN staff
March 1, 2012
Mike Rodgers has accepted a nine-month suspension © Getty Images
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American sprinter Mike Rodgers has been banned for nine months for a failed drugs test, but remains eligible to compete at London 2012.

Rodgers tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine during an in-competition urine test in Italy last July. The American, who was due to compete in the 100m at the World Athletics Championships in South Korea last summer, accepted a provisional suspension and withdrew as a precaution.

Rodgers requested a hearing in a bid to clear his name, but has accepted a nine-month suspension after providing an "innacurate and misleading testimony".

At the time of the positive test his manager Tony Campbell claimed the stimulant had been in an energy drink, but fearing a lengthier ban, Rodgers later admitted taking supplement Jack3d.

As well as the suspension, Rodgers has agreed to pay the full legal costs of the American Arbitration Association hearing and has been disqualified from all results obtained after July 19 - forfeiting any medals or prize money he earned.

Under former International Olympic Committee rules, Rodgers would be ineligible for this summer's Olympics, but following LaShawn Merritt's successful appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last year, the American will be free to compete providing he qualifies.

Rodgers can return to competition on April 19 ahead of the US Olympic trials in June.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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