WADA asks ATP for explanations after Agassi admission

LONDON (AFP) – World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) president John Fahey has asked ATP chiefs to “shed light” on allegations made by Andre Agassi that a positive test for banned drugs was swept under the carpet 12 years ago.
Retired professional Agassi, one of only five men to have won all four Grand Slam tournaments, shook the tennis world on Wednesday when he claimed in his autobiography that he used crystal meth in 1997.
Crystal Meth is also known as methamphetamine, a stimulant which is currently on WADA’s List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.
After being informed that he had tested positive for the mind-altering drug, Agassi said he wrote a letter to the ATP, the Association of Tennis Professionals, claiming he had taken it by accident and asking for leniency.
No further action was taken.
Although affirming that no retroactive action can be taken against Agassi, Fahey said he hoped the American’s “disappointing” admission would be used in a positive way to help educate youth about the dangers of drugs.
The WADA chief however appeared less understanding with the ATP, which oversees the men’s professional game.
“We would hope that Andre Agassi might now see his way to be a role model and alert youth and tennis players to the dangers of drug use and doping,” said Fahey.
He added: “The World Anti-Doping Code, which took effect in 2004, has an eight-year statute of limitations, and it is unlikely that any action may be taken by tennis authorities against the player, if methamphetamine was banned under the ATP List of Prohibited Substances and Methods at that time.
“WADA would however expect the ATP, which administered its own anti-doping program at that time, to shed light on this allegation.”