Philippines’ Justin Brownlee Fails Asian Games Anti-Doping Test
Justin Brownlee, a member of the Philippines’ men’s basketball team, has failed an anti-doping test one day after the team won gold in the 2022 Asian Games. There are fears that this can tarnish the much-celebrated gold medal win of the team.
According to a report, the International Testing Agency said that the naturalized player tested positive for Carboxy-THC. This substance is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency due to its link to cannabis use.
It can be recalled that the Philippines beat Jordan in the men’s 5×5 basketball after having previously beaten China, taking them out of the competition.
Justin Brownlee Fails Anti-Doping Test
Only Brownlee failed the anti-doping test among members of Gilas Pilipinas, the name given to the country’s national basketball team. However, he is not the only basketball player and not the only Filipino athlete to fail the test.
Jordan’s Sami Bzai likewise failed the test after testing positive for dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone metabolite, which is a non-specified prohibited substance. Jordan’s men’s basketball team won silver during the Asian Games.
Brownlee’s fellow Filipino athlete, cyclist Ariana Evangelista also failed the test. This is after she tested positive for erythropoietin, which is a performance-enhancing drug.
What Will Happen to Gilas Pilipinas’ Gold Medal?
As Gilas Pilipinas won gold during the Asiad, there are now concerns that they may lose its medals. Fortunately for the Philippines, it will not be the case.
It has been confirmed by Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino that the team will keep the gold medals. The team may lose the gold if two more players aside from Brownlee test positive for a banned substance.
It has also been reported that Brownlee has until October 19 to contest the results of the test. However, should the positive result be confirmed, he will receive a two-year suspension from basketball.
If Brownlee’s B sample also comes back as positive, he will be slapped with a two-year suspension from basketball. #AsianGames | via @philipptionary
— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) October 13, 2023