Brownlee must be ready to appeal Asian games doping test result, says Bong Go

Justin Brownlee should make himself available for the re-analysis of his specimen, Senator Bong Go said after Lausanne-based International Testing Agency (ITA) announced that the naturalized Filipino cager failed a doping test during the recently concluded Asian Games.

“This matter raises concern. I encourage Justin Brownlee to make himself readily available in order to have his samples re-analyzed, as provided by anti-doping protocols, before the issue will be adjudicated by the appropriate world sports body,” Go, who chairs the Senate committee on sports, said in a statement.

“Whatever the final findings would be, we will cross the bridge when we get there, so to speak,” he added.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, in another statement, said there are certain mechanisms in place for Philippine sports officials and Brownlee to appeal his case.

“It is crucial to remember that his doping allegations are still under investigation and have not been resolved yet. It might be too early to form any opinions or judgments until more details become available,” the senator added.

According to a report of Agence France-Presse, Brownlee tested positive for the banned Carboxy-THC, a substance linked to cannabis use.

"The sample was collected by the ITA at the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 during an in-competition anti-doping control performed on 7 October 2023," the ITA said.

"The athlete has been informed of the case. He has the right to request the analysis of the B-samples."

Brownlee led Gilas Pilipinas in winning the Asian Games’ gold medal for men’s basketball last October 6 or one day before Brownlee’s samples were reportedly collected.—AOL, GMA Integrated News