Gasquet facing doping ban

Loomis

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12110_5308866,00.html

The French tennis federation (FFT) is awaiting confirmation of a failed drugs test by Richard Gasquet.

The world number 23 is believed to have tested positive for cocaine at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, which was won by Andy Murray at the start of April.

"The FFT has learnt of the positive test of Richard Gasquet at the Miami tournament, although no official notification has been made," the FFT said.

"This piece of information, that is very surprising...would be, if confirmed according to official proceedings, a very sad one for Richard Gasquet himself, for tennis in general and for French tennis in particular.

"As for now, the FFT does not wish to make further comments because it is up to the anti-doping authorities, within the International Tennis Federation (ITF), to assess such a case."

Gasquet was regarded as the top French prospect when he started his professional career in 2002, but is now the fourth best ranked Frenchman behind Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsoga and Gael Monfils.

Always surprising when these things come out. "He endured a nightmare 2008 where he lost his place as French number one and saw his star eclipsed by the likes of Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils," (link) so could explain why he went to drugs to dull the disappointment.

Loomis

Gasquet has confirmed he tested positive with his B sample also. But is claiming he did not take the drug and is going to fight his case. Casts doubts now over the incident recently where Hingis apparently tested positive for cocaine also, she disputed it but was retiring (again) before the ban was imposed.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12110_5310160,00.html

Richard Gasquet has confirmed that he has tested positive for cocaine, but insists he will fight to clear his name.

The world number 23 tested positive at the Miami Masters in March - an event at which he did not compete - and could now be hit with a two-year ban from the sport.

"The test of the B sample submitted at the end of March 2009, during the Miami tournament where I did not participate, confirmed the positive result of the A sample taken on the same day," Gasquet explained in a statement.

However, the 22-year-old claims he will use independent testing facilities to try and prove his innocence.

Indeed, Gasquet went on to add that he had already submitted himself to one test, including hair analysis, which "showed no trace of cocaine".

He continued: "Taking into account the complexity of this dossier, I intend now to prove my innocence and will explain myself at an appropriate time."

BlackMamba

Thats totally shocking!! I always liked Gasquet and thought he was a good player! Thats twice that players have tested positive for cocaine and professed their innocence. It makes you wonder whether they're telling the truth or is it something else.
I'd hate to see Gasquet quit the game over this. Hope this thing works out in his favour.

cfitz

Thats totally shocking!! I always liked Gasquet and thought he was a good player! Thats twice that players have tested positive for cocaine and professed their innocence. It makes you wonder whether they're telling the truth or is it something else.
I'd hate to see Gasquet quit the game over this. Hope this thing works out in his favour.

Gasquet has confirmed he tested positive with his B sample also. But is claiming he did not take the drug and is going to fight his case. Casts doubts now over the incident recently where Hingis apparently tested positive for cocaine also, she disputed it but was retiring (again) before the ban was imposed.

I don't see how this casts doubt over the Hingis incident. On the face of it, we have two rich sports stars failing drug tests (for a recreational substance) and pleading their innocence. Is that not pretty much par for the course?

I'd love to believe that Hingis is innocent, but I don't see much evidence here or elsewhere that suggests she is.

BlackMamba

We'll see how this situation pans out. Would be a shame to see him leave for two years.

Loomis

cfitz wrote: »

I don't see how this casts doubt over the Hingis incident. On the face of it, we have two rich sports stars failing drug tests (for a recreational substance) and pleading their innocence. Is that not pretty much par for the course?

I'd love to believe that Hingis is innocent, but I don't see much evidence here or elsewhere that suggests she is.

The thing that casts a bit of doubt is the fact he took part in other tests such as the hair test mentioned above which showed no sign of the drug.
Be interesting to see how this pans out.

Fly High

Has the suspension been handed out yet?

I feel sorry for him everyone makes mistakes but he should have known better...

How long do you think he'll get?

Loomis

Louise~ wrote: »

Has the suspension been handed out yet?

I feel sorry for him everyone makes mistakes but he should have known better...

How long do you think he'll get?

Yes, he's been suspended already. A recent rule change means the ban is immediate. Until the change players were allowed continue playing until the process completed and a ban was imposed.
He will be banned for two years if found guilty. Huge portion of a tennis players career.