I have posted a note from Mike Rodgers about his positive test at the Lignano meeting in July 2011.
I have not received a note like this before, which arrived in my email earlier this evening. Curious to hear your comments.
DATE: March 1, 2012
PRESS RELEASE
Submitted by: Mike Rodgers
I
apologize to my family and the track and field community around the
world for my error in judgment related to my first anti-doping
violation.
Methyl hexaneamine, a mild
stimulant, found in many energy drinks and supplements, was detected in
my urine sample at the Lignano, Italy track and field competition in
July, 2011. I regret that my oversight in reviewing the USADA advisory
notices in June 2011, may have contributed to my use of this energy
drink substance one month later in July 2011. I have since learned that
while acceptable in out-of-competition training, it is banned from
in-competition. Needless to say, I will be more diligent in staying
abreast of this information.
Throughout
my career, I have always abided by the rules, and never knowingly
intended to violate anti-doping regulations. I have regularly complied
with all out-of-competition and in-competition testing requirements. For
example, I took an out-of competition blood test prior to my travel for
European competition, as well as an in-competition blood test in Monaco
3 days after the Lignano, Italy competition. In both instances, the
blood tests were negative. As recognized by the professional sports
community, blood is the most accurate way of determining doping
violations. This is offered as support that my anti-doping violation was
an isolated incident, not a pattern of behavior.
Needless
to day, this has been both a humbling and enlightening experience. I
made a huge mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. The
consequences to my track and field career have been enormous and
significant, including forfeiting the opportunity to represent my team
and country at the 2011 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Daegu,
Korea; inability to defend my 2011 Indoor American Championship Title at
the 2012 Indoor American Track and Field Championships, and; loss of
any possibility for competing in the 2012 Indoor World Track and Field
Championships. I have truly learned from my mistakes and am grateful
for the chance to resume my track and field career effective April 19,
2012.
