An All Whites player and a men's softball player have been banned from all sport for a month after overusing medication.
The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand today banned softballer, Craig Wallace, and footballer Clayton Lewis after they violated rules by overusing the asthma medication Salbutamol contained in the product Ventolin.
Both players were found to have an elevated reading of Salbutamol following in-competition tests in February, 2016. Neither had been controlling their asthma adequately.
Salbutamol is a commonly prescribed asthma medication, and is permitted in sport up to a maximum threshold.
The Tribunal concluded both players were not drug cheats; however they "failed to understand their responsibilities to check the status of all medications including limits on the amount that can be used."
These are the first instances that Drug Free Sport New Zealand (DFSNZ) has encountered where overuse of the common medication Ventolin, has led to positive tests.
DFSNZ says the case shows athletes need to take more care.
Both players have been suspended while the matter has been heard. Mr Wallace will be free to participate from 29 July, 2016 and Mr Lewis from 8 August, 2016.
Newshub.
