Erriyon Knighton tested positive for a banned substance during an out-of-competition drug test conducted by the US Anti-Doping Agency on March 26, 2024. The 200m U20 World record holder tested positive for a metabolite of trenbolone which led to a provisional suspension and raised questions about the 20-year-old’s participation at the U.S. Olympic trials.
Trenbolone is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Testing, the United States Olympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the World Antidoping Policies. It is classified as a non-specified substance in the category of anabolic agents.
Since Erriyon Knighton tested positive for a banned substance in an out-of-competition drug test, he was provisionally suspended by the US Anti-Doping Agency on April 12, 2024. His suspension was followed by a legal proceeding to investigate the matter where both USADA and Knighton were provided an opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to an independent arbitrator.
“The Independent arbitrator ruled that Erriyon Knighton tested positive for the substance by consuming meat contaminated with trenbolone, which is a known livestock growth promoter that is used legally in beef cattle produced in and exported to the United States,” the official press release stated.
The Independent arbitrator decided that Erriyon Knighton will not face a period of ineligibility and his provisional suspension will be lifted immediately. This development allows the 20-year-old athlete to compete in the upcoming U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.
USADA CEO, Travis T. Tygart released a statement after Knighton’s provision suspension was lifted immediately following the hearing.
“We did what the rules require us to do in all positive cases. We can take comfort that justice was served and transparency as required by the rules was achieved,” read the statement.
Since the hearing was held on an expedited basis to resolve the matter before the USA Track & Field Olympic Trials 2024, the operator issued an abbreviated document that only conveyed the arbitrator’s ruling. The final decision will be available publically on USADA’s official website once it is rendered.
Operative Award of United States Anti-Doping Agency (Claimant) Vs Erriyon Knighton (Respondent)
After considering the arguments presented by both the parties involved and their counsel, the independent arbitrator issued an operative award which is as follows:
Claimant’s requested relief is DENIED (the reasons will follow in due course);
● The Player’s provisional suspension is lifted with immediate effect, and he will not serve any period of Ineligibility for his violation;
● The parties shall bear their own attorney’s fees and costs associated with this arbitration;
● The administrative fees and expenses of the arbitration administrator, and the compensation and expenses of the Sole Arbitrator shall be borne as provided in the relevant arbitration rules; and
● This Award shall be in full and final resolution of all claims and counterclaims submitted to this Arbitration. The Sole Arbitrator has considered all of the arguments made by the parties, whether or not they are specifically referenced in this Award. All claims not expressly granted herein are hereby denied.
