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.
“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.
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