KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaican sprinter Steve Mullings has been banned for life for failing a drugs test last June.
The 28-year-old, a sprint relay gold medallists at the Berlin World Championships two years ago, was handed the ban by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission on Monday.
Mullings had been found guilty last Thursday of the doping charge but the commission had delayed the sentencing.
“It is our unanimous decision that he be ineligible from sports for life,” the Jamaica Observer quoted JADCO chairman Lennox Gayle as saying.
Mullings tested positive for the substance Furosemide, a powerful diuretic, during the national trials here earlier this year.
It was the second doping violation for the athlete after testing positive for testosterone seven years ago, and Gayle said this was taken into consideration by the commission, which also comprised former FIFA referee Peter Prendergast and Dr Japheth Ford.
“[The panel] was satisfied that Mr Mullings is a multiple offender,” Gayle continued.
“A clear message must be sent to everyone. Prohibited substances must not be used.”
Mullings, who did not attend the hearing, was represented by attorneys Allison Strange and Ryan Cipparone of the Florida-based law firm Bret Jones PA, along with Alando Terrelonge.
The United States based athlete, who did not attend the hearing, has denied knowingly taking the drug.