Twice suspended before for doping, allegations surrounding the 35-year-old American sprinter’s entourage surfaced yesterday.
The Daily Telegraph first reported that coach Dennis Mitchell and athletics agent Robert Wagner offered to sell undercover reporters performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
The report revealed that the duo had offered to provide false prescriptions for banned performance-enhancing substances — testosterone and human growth hormone — and to smuggle those drugs into the United States.
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It also stated that the athlete has sacked Mitchell, and Gatlin has since confirmed that through a personal statement on his Instagram account.
“I was shocked and surprised to learn that my coach would have anything to do with even the appearance of these current accusations. I fired him as soon as I found out about this.
“All legal options are on the table as I will not allow others to lie about me like this.
“I have no further comments as it is now a legal matter. They will next hear from my lawyer.
“Thank you all my supporters and well wishers.”
Athletics anti-doping officials have begun an investigation, while both Mitchell and Wagner deny the allegations.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
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'Shocked and surprised' Gatlin speaks out following doping allegations against coach
WORLD 100M CHAMPION Justin Gatlin has released a statement following the emergence of another alleged doping scandal involving his name.
Twice suspended before for doping, allegations surrounding the 35-year-old American sprinter’s entourage surfaced yesterday.
The Daily Telegraph first reported that coach Dennis Mitchell and athletics agent Robert Wagner offered to sell undercover reporters performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
The report revealed that the duo had offered to provide false prescriptions for banned performance-enhancing substances — testosterone and human growth hormone — and to smuggle those drugs into the United States.
It also stated that the athlete has sacked Mitchell, and Gatlin has since confirmed that through a personal statement on his Instagram account.
“I am not using and have not used PED’s,” the statement began.
“All legal options are on the table as I will not allow others to lie about me like this.
“I have no further comments as it is now a legal matter. They will next hear from my lawyer.
“Thank you all my supporters and well wishers.”
Athletics anti-doping officials have begun an investigation, while both Mitchell and Wagner deny the allegations.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Another doping scandal for 100m champ Justin Gatlin as coach and agent caught in sting operation
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dennis mitchell Justin Gatlin Robert Wagner statement