USADA announced today that Brock Lesnar, who failed an out-of-competition drug test on 6/28 and an in-competition test on 7/9, could be facing a maximum suspension of 1 year. That is actually not too bad for Lesnar considering that he could have faced a 2-year suspension. Typically, a 2-year minimum suspension is handed down for a first-time PED failure.
USADA noted that Hydroxy-clomiphene (which is what Lesnar tested positive for) is classified as a “special substance.” Per WADA code, “there is a greater likelihood that these (specified) substances could be susceptible to a credible non-doping explanation.” WADA code recognizes that it is possible for a prohibited substance to enter an athlete’s body inadvertently “and therefore allow a tribunal more flexibility when making a sanctioning decision.”
Lesnar could face the maximum one-year suspension or he could receive as little as a public warning. If he chooses not to accept the sanction from USADA then they can go into arbitration. He will not be facing additional sanctions for failing the two tests but he could face suspensions and fines from the Nevada State Atletic Commission. Lesnar could also have his win over Mark Hunt taken away.
