USADA announced today that Matthew Brown of Lubbock, Texas, an athlete in the sport of Paralympic Track & Field, has tested positive for a prohibited substance and accepted a suspension for his doping offense.
Brown, 35, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide and chlorothiazide in a sample collected on June 29, 2012 at the U.S. Paralympic Trials in Indianapolis, Ill. Diuretics are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Paralympic Committee (“IPC”) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the WADA Prohibited List.
Brown accepted a one-year period of ineligibility, which began on June 29, 2012, and has been disqualified from all competitive results achieved on and subsequent to June 29, 2012, the day he provided his sample, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes. This is Brown’s second anti-doping rule violation, having previously been suspended for testing positive for a marijuana metabolite in June 2011.
“Although I did not intend to enhance performance, I should have been more cautious about the substances I put into my body and I would like to apologize to my friends, family and fans for my mistake,” said Brown. “I look forward to representing my country in future competitions.”
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, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, 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.
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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