According to a statement released by USA Track and Field CEO Craig Masback— Justin Gatlin, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist and co-world record holder in the 100 meters, has tested positive for “testosterone or its precursors.” The test was conducted at the Kansas Relays on April 22.
In a statement in a New York Times article, Gatlin does not admit to the positive test by stating through his publicist, “I cannot account for these results, because I have never knowingly used any banned substance or authorized anyone else to administer such a substance to me.” This is just another blow to the sport of track and field.
Masback’s statement covers all the bases in a moment of crisis. He states that USATF will work with the authorities in this case– which would be the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (or USADA), and the IAAF. Also, he states that no matter who you are as an athlete– you will be penalized if you take banned substances. Also, having a statement from a credible source within the organization on the web site is crucial– in this crisis, time is of the essence and it is important to keep all target audiences informed and to continue the level of trust among them. Also, it is important for Masback to support the athletes that do compete clean, and to make sure that everyone follows the same rules– no matter who you are.
USATF has some serious hurdles to face with the Gatlin situation. First, he was considered to be one of the “clean” athletes of the next generation and promoted as such. Since the 2004 Olympics, Gatlin has been the image of track and field– enthusiastic, energetic, and exciting to see perform.
Gatlin has been in the spotlight before when drugs have come up. He served a one-year ban for testing positive for amphetamine while at the University of Tennessee in 2001. Gatlin said that it was from taking Adderall for his attention-deficit disorder. Even Gatlin’s coach, Trevor Graham, has been linked to drug issues. Graham was the coach who turned in anonymously a syringe with the undetectable steroid THG, which began the BALCO Scandal in 2003.
Gatlin was also one of the featured athletes for USATF’s “Be A Champion” Programs that targets youth athletes. Supporting a drug-free environment for athletics and then testing positive is not a good strategy to follow. 🙁
We will have to see what Gatlin tested positive for and see what the authorities have to say on the situation.
2 Comments
Laura’s Psychology Blog » Update on Landis Test…. · July 30, 2006 at 12:28 pm
[…] As my readers know, I am a rabid sports fan. As such, this double whammy saddens me greatly. My daughter, a 4-time All-American in track, has some other thoughts as well. […]
Karen’s Public Relations Blog » Update on Latest Drug Scandal: DA to release names of athletes · March 14, 2007 at 10:40 pm
[…] What are the PR implications of both of these situations? Well, at least Canseco has admitted that he has used steroids– and it is a well known fact. Matthews, on the other hand, in my opinion is in denial. The most damaging athletes for sports are those that do not take responsibility for their actions and are not honest about it. For example– look at the Justin Gatlin case. Gatlin was one of USATF’s key spokespeople for their “Be Clean” Campaign, and tested positive for testosterone. As a result of this crisis, Gatlin is struggling to regain his reputation and image to the public and others. Athletes that are misrepresenting themselves to their fans and others are hurting the sport as well as the reputation of other athletes. The problem that Matthews and other athletes like them is that they don’t realize that their actions today are not only damaging right now, but will have more negative implications in the future. Their image and reputation among their fans and others in the athletic industry are forever changed from this. […]