Palermo defender tests positive for cocaine

PALERMO, Italy — Palermo defender Moris Carrozzieri has tested positive for cocaine and admitted his guilt, the Italian club said Thursday on its Web site. The 28-year-old Carrozzieri was tested following Palermo's match with Torino on April 5 and was immediately suspended. "The anti-doping office of CONI, working with the Italian Sports Medicine Federation, has identified cocaine in the metabolism of Palermo player Carrozzieri," Italian Olympic Committee said in a statement on its Web site. Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini said he felt let down by the player, who had been linked with a transfer to AC Milan. "This lad has received almost everything he could want and yet he has ended up in this mess," Zamparini said. "Of course this is a serious financial blow for Palermo, but rather than angry I am upset for Moris and will help him recover. "He goes to discos too often. We tried to make him a leader at the club, but he has let himself down." Carrozzieri faces a doping ban of up to two years. – AP