Asafa banned, same a Simpson

Photo: Asafa Powell (file photo)

Asafa Powell, like his co-accused and former training partner, Sherone Simpson failed to show up for his hearing today on the day of his sentencing in his doping case. The disgraced sprinter was found to have the banned stimulant Oxilofrine in his urine sample provided at the Jamaica national trials on June 21st in Kingston Jamaica last year.

Photo: Asafa Powell (file photo)

Asafa Powell, like his co-accused and former training partner, Sherone Simpson failed to show up for his hearing today on the day of his sentencing in his doping case. The disgraced sprinter was found to have the banned stimulant Oxilofrine in his urine sample provided at the Jamaica national trials on June 21st in Kingston Jamaica last year.

After a few brief comments, chairman of the three man panel Lennox Gayle proceeded to hand down the verdict of 18 months, which was the exact same judgement that Simpson received two days earlier. The 31 year old will serve his ban retroactively from the day he provided the sample and will be eligible to compete again after his ban expires on the 20th December, 2014.

Gayle in his summation said, “The panel came to a unanimous decision and in all circumstances Mr. Powell was found to be negligent. He was at fault, especially in light of the fact of him being an elite athlete.”

Kwame Gordon, attorney for Powell was understandably disappointed and expressed those sentiments to reporters immediately after the hearing. 

“I want to say two things, first, we are disappointed that after two months no written reasons for the sanction is available and we do not agree with the decision and will go to the next level (Court of Arbitration for Sport -CAS),” Gordon said.

Powell, who has the most sub-10 clockings in the 100m in track and field history is currently without a club and is said to be training with his older brother Donovan. The future in track and field for the Jamaican sprinter in now uncertain given his age and the number of young athletes that are coming through the ranks. Powell who broke the 100m world record in 2005, will turn 32 the month before his ban expires.