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U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)

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USADA announced today that Shaun Moffett, of San Antonio, Texas, an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a 21-month sanction for his possession and use of testosterone and clomiphene.

Moffett, 39, tested positive for clomiphene as the result of an out-of-competition urine sample he provided on December 6, 2017. Clomiphene is a Specified Substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators and is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the International Cycling Union Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.

During USADA’s investigation, Moffett submitted medical records documenting his use of clomiphene shortly before his positive test and use of testosterone beginning in June 2017. Testosterone is a non-Specified substance in the class of Anabolic Agents and prohibited at all times. After a thorough review of the available information, including Moffett’s medical records, USADA accepted his explanation that his use of clomiphene and testosterone was pursuant to prescriptions he was taking in a therapeutic dose under the care of a qualified physician. However, Moffett lacked a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

Although an athlete may be prescribed a prohibited substance by a physician, it is important to understand that a prescription in and of itself is not adequate evidence to authorize the use of a prohibited substance in sport. Under the USADA TUE Policy, an athlete has the responsibility to demonstrate in advance of using a prohibited substance that the medical need to treat an acute or chronic condition satisfies all four strict criteria within the WADA International Standard for TUEs (ISTUE). Anabolic agents like testosterone and hormone modulators like clomiphene have powerful performance-enhancing capabilities and can give an athlete an unfair advantage over fellow competitors, which is why the ISTUE requires rigorous criteria be fulfilled, beyond merely providing a prescription.

Moffett’s twenty-one month period of ineligibility began on December 6, 2017, the date his positive sample was collected. In addition, Moffett has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to June 19, 2017, the approximate first date he began using testosterone, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.

In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all 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 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 proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.

Along with education and testing, robust anti-doping programs enable investigations stemming from tips and whistleblowers. 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.


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