USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has rendered a decision in the case of track and field athlete Gil Roberts of Los Angeles, Calif. After an evidentiary hearing on May 20, 2024, where both Roberts and USADA were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator determined that Roberts will receive an eight-year sanction after he tested positive for ostarine (enobosarm), RAD-140, and metabolites of LGD-4033 (ligandrol) and SR9009 during an out-of-competition drug test on September 20, 2023. Roberts received an enhanced period of ineligibility under the rules because this was his second anti-doping rule violation within the last 10 years.
Ostarine, RAD-140, and LGD-4033 are non-specified substances in the class of Anabolic Agents, and SR9009 is a non-specified substance in the class of Hormone and Metabolic Modulators. All four substances and their metabolites are 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 World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
“All athletes deserve a level playing field so that their hard work and talent are rewarded,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart. “Strategic testing helps to both deter doping and hold accountable those who intentionally violate the rules, and it’s important that we apply the full force of the rules to ensure these bad actors can’t continue to corrupt sport at any level of competition.”
Roberts’ eight-year period of ineligibility began on October 18, 2023, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Roberts has been disqualified from any competitive results on and after September 20, 2023, the date of his positive test, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
The decision, as well as all other arbitral decisions, can be found here.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as 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 file and update athlete Whereabouts, 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 (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
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 text at 87232 (“USADA”), 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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