Gatlin's Ban Reduced, but Not Enough

Track and Field star Justin Gatlin tested positive for testosterone in April 2006, and that caused his eight year ban from the Olympics. Recently, Gatlin's ban was shorten to four years, but not enough for him to compete in the 100 meter title this year in the Olympics.

On Tuesday, an arbitration panel agreed to reduce Gatlins ban to four years, and he'll be able to compete in 2010. Gatlin's ban ends on May 24, 2010, and it's understood that Gatlin won't be competing in the Beijing Olympics in August 2008.

Gatlins first doping offense happened in 2001. When Gatlin tested positive in 2001, he was banned for two years from international competition.

After two positive test, Gatlin still believes he hasn't done anything wrong. "I'm a fighter and I've been a fighter from the very beginning and I'm going to continue to fight," Gatlin discussed with the Washington Post. "I know in my heart I haven't done anything wrong. I have been robbed. I have been cheated of an opportunity to finish my career."

According to the arbitration panel, Gatlin's first dopping offense in 2001 won't help his chances of winning an appeal. Gatlin was 19 years old, and was a junior at the University of Tennessee when he tested positive for amphetamines. Gatlin stopped taking amphetamines two days before the competition, but it was still in his system according to case records. The International Association of Athletics Federations reinstated Gatlin after one year served.

Gatlin could appeal, because it's possible the 2001 doping offense wasn't Gatlins fault according to the panel. Gatlin could also ask the IAAF for clarification on their ruling in 2001, and this could help his appeal for the 2006 ban the arbitration panel added.

"The actions of the IAAF clearly suggest at a minimum, a finding of 'no significant fault' in 2001," the arbitration panel said. "However, there is no evidence from which this panel may determine that a finding of 'no fault' under the current WADA standard was made or could be inferred."

If the 2001 doping offense is ruled "no significant fault," Gatlin will still be held responsible for the positive test. His first offense will be erased if found "no fault." Testing was different in 2001, because the World Anti Doping Code is more established now.

Many believe Gatlin has a chance and the fight isn't over, according to Gatlin's family member. A person that answered Gatlin's parents phone said the family feels wrongly done. This person said Gatlin has a disability, and the family is going to decide what's next for him.

Gattlin's attorney refused to return messages that was left on his cell phone, and hasn't made any comments about this issue.

According to Gatlin, he doesn't know how steroids gotten into his system. Gatlin accused a therapist for rubbing a steroid cream on him, but the therapist denied the allegations.

The arbitration panel said, Gatlin was injected with vitamin B-12 by an assistant coach which Gatlin has acknowledged.

"We have no higher priority than the commitment we have made to clean competition," Darryl Seibel said whom is the U.S. Olympics committee spokesmen. "If that means leaving behind when we go to the Games an athlete who has the talent and ability to break world records, but has also cheated, so be it. That's an easy choice to make."

The ruling said Gatlin was unhappy during his testimony and the arbitration panel cannot eliminate the possibility that Gatlin recieved testosterone from a coach.

"While Mr. Gatlin seems like a complete gentleman, and was genuinely and deeply upset during his testimony, the panel cannot eliminate the possibility that Mr. Gatlin intentionally took testosterone, or that he accepted it from a coach, even though he testified to the contrary," the ruling said.

Bill Bock whom is the USADA general counselor said, Gatlin helped federal authorities by wearing a wire to catch former coach Trevor Graham an communication. Graham was a Track and Field coach, and he provided athletes with performance enhancing drugs.

"Mr. Gatlin should be commended for his decision to cooperate with authorities following his positive test," USADA chief executive officer Travis Tygart said in a statement. "However, these efforts do not completely remove his responsibility for his second doping offense. Given his cooperation and the circumstances relating to Mr. Gatlin's first offense, the four-year penalty issued by the arbitration panel is a fair and just outcome."