USADA announced today that Richard Burkett, of New Castle, Pa., an athlete in the sport of Para archery, has accepted a 15-month suspension for an anti-doping rule violation.
Burkett, 49, tested positive for testosterone and/or its metabolites as the result of an in-competition urine sample collected at the Target Nationals on August 14, 2020. Testosterone is a non-Specified Substance in the category of Anabolic Agents and is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the World Archery Federation Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
After a thorough review of the case, including the examination of medical records provided by the athlete, USADA determined that Burkett’s positive test was caused by a prescribed medication containing testosterone, which he was using in a therapeutic dose under the care of a physician. Although the substance was taken at the direction of a physician for a legitimate medical purpose and Burkett declared his use of testosterone on his doping control form, he lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) at the time his urine sample was collected. Burkett has since obtained a prospective TUE through the established process under the International Standard for TUEs authorizing future use of this medication in sport.
Burkett’s 15-month period of ineligibility began on August 14, 2020, the date his positive sample was collected. In addition, Burkett has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to April 2, 2020, the date on which he first used testosterone, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (www.GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as an easy-reference wallet card with examples of prohibited and permitted substances, a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, an athlete handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
USADA makes available a number of ways to report the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs in sport in an effort to protect clean athletes and promote clean competition. Any tip can be reported using the USADA Play Clean Tip Center, by email at playclean@usada.org, by phone 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 dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
For more information or media inquiries, click here.