UFC bantamweight Andre Ewell, 32, was recently sanctioned by the USA Anti-Doping Agency, and they got it about right. Via UFC.USADA.org:
USADA announced today that Ewell, of Perris, Calif., has received a public warning for a violation of the UFC® Anti-Doping Policy.
Ewell tested positive for ostarine as the result of a urine sample collected out-of-competition on October 15, 2020. Ostarine is a non-Specified Substance in the class of Anabolic Agents and is prohibited at all times under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy and UFC Prohibited List.
Following notification of his positive test, Ewell provided a sealed container of a dietary supplement he was using prior to his positive test for analysis at a WADA-accredited laboratory. Although no prohibited substances were listed on the supplement label, the analysis revealed a low level of ostarine in the product. Because the product was not a Certified Supplement, Ewell faces a violation.
This case was resolved under the revised UFC Anti-Doping Policy announced on January 14, 2021. Under the revised Policy, USADA may consider in the resolution of the case – along with other factors – whether an athlete’s exposure to a prohibited substance had or likely had a performance enhancing benefit. Based on the specific circumstances of the case, USADA determined that Ewell’s exposure to ostarine from the supplement product was not consistent with a dosage that would have a performance enhancing benefit.
Ostarine, also known as MK-2866 and Enobosarm, is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) that is illegally sold worldwide as a performance-enhancing substance. Ostarine is not currently available as a prescription medication in any country, and its unauthorized use may carry serious side effects. Ostarine has commonly been found as a declared and undeclared ingredient in many dietary supplements. More information about the risks of ostarine can be found through a USADA athlete advisory.
By contrast, in 2017 Tom Lawlor was suspended for two years for failing a test for Ostarine. He asked for a release from his contract, was denied, and then was cut shortly before the suspension ended. It’s laudable the USADA is no longer going Torquemada on athletes in cases like this. But what about the fighters like Lawlor? Do they get an apology. Or simply nothing at all?
