RE: Rumoured Signings
DOPING VIOLATION
Rugby league player Lorenzo Ma’afu gets gets 15-month ban for presence of stimulants.
The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Drugs Tribunal’s decision to impose a 15-month sanction on Queensland Cup Ipswich Jets player Lorenzo Ma’afu for the presence of prohibited stimulants was today acknowledged by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA).
ASADA collected an in-competition sample from Mr Ma’afu on 16 August 2009 after a
Queensland Cup league match against the Redcliffe Dolphins at Dolphin Oval, Redcliffe. This
sample tested positive for Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA).
On 4 February 2010, the QRL Drugs Tribunal imposed a 15 month period of ineligibility against
Mr Ma’afu for the presence of MDMA and MDA.
In deciding to impose a reduced 15-month sanction, the QRL Drugs Tribunal found Mr Ma’afu had
‘no significant fault or negligence’ in relation to the presence of MDMA and MDA in his system.
The Tribunal was satisfied that Mr Ma’afu’s drink was spiked with the prohibited stimulants
without his knowledge.
Mr Ma’afu is banned from taking part in recognised sports until midnight on 1 February 2011.
MDMA is commonly known as Ecstasy and MDA is a psychedelic stimulant that is mainly used as
a recreational drug.
MDMA and MDA are listed as S6 Stimulants on the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List and
are prohibited in-competition. Athletes in possession, using or attempting to use these prohibited
stimulants potentially face serious penalties, including a two-year ban for first offences.
-ENDS ---ENDS-- --
