The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced today that Crystal Cox, an athlete in the sport of track and field, has accepted a four-year suspension and disqualification of her athletic results, beginning on November 3, 2001, for using anabolic agents and hormones over a period from 2001 through 2004 in violation of the International Association of Athletics Federations Anti-Doping Rules. Ms. Cox’s acceptance of sanction resulted from information recently received by USADA during separate investigations arising from information obtained during the BALCO doping conspiracy.
In addition to her suspension, which began on January 26, 2010, all of Cox’s competitive results will be disqualified, including forfeiture of all medals, points, and prizes since November 3, 2001.
“Ms. Cox clearly competed under the pressures of her sport that accompanied one of the worst doping chapters in history and unfortunately gave in to the temptation to use performance-enhancing drugs. However, to her credit, when confronted by USADA with evidence of her violation of sports anti-doping rules Ms. Cox promptly admitted her involvement in doping and accepted responsibility.” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as coaches, trainers and parents, 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 performance-enhancing substances, as well as supplements and recreational drugs. In addition, the agency manages a drug reference phone hotline as well as the Global Drug Reference Online at www.GlobalDRO.org, conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as curriculums, themed brochures and nutrition and dietary guides, easy-reference wallet cards for List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference publications, all of which can be found at www.USADA.org.
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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