Four times CrossFit Games Veteran Emily Abbott was one of the most well known athletes to fail the drug test, testing positive for ibutamoren, an anabolic agent. Despite Emily’s detailed explanation and supporting evidence, the CrossFit Games imposed the maximum possible sanction, and suspended her from June 22nd, 2018 until June 21st, 2022, without granting her a hearing.
Here is a statement from Emily Abbott:
“I am beyond disappointed and frustrated that the organization I have dedicated so much of my life to has basically ignored my explanation for my inadvertent exposure to ibutamoren. I have proudly represented the sport as an advocate of clean eating and a healthy lifestyle, and would never knowingly take any banned substance. I strongly disagree with this unfair decision, and will be exploring all of my options.”
Despite Dean Shaw’s attempt to appeal, the CrossFit Games imposed the maximum possible sanction, and suspended CrossFit Valley Road from competing between June 22nd, 2018 to June 21st, 2022.
Here is a statement from Team CrossFit Valley Road:
“On 16 July 2018 we were notified by The CrossFit Games support team that Dean Shaw, a member of our CrossFit Valley Road team, failed a drug test at the CrossFit Meridian Regionals in Madrid, Spain.
Therefore team CrossFit Valley Road has been disqualified from the 2018 CrossFit Games in Madison USA. Dean is currently in the process of appealing, and we wish him the best of luck to clear his name. He is currently refraining from making any further comments until the final outcome of the matter.
CrossFit Valley Road had no knowledge of the alleged intake of the banned substance. CrossFit Valley Road distances itself from the alleged actions as we were unaware of any foul play. CrossFit Valley Road strongly condemns the use of prohibited substances in any way, shape or form. Pending the appeal results Dean will be temporarily suspended from the team and CrossFit Valley Road Facility.”
Team CrossFit Riviera was disqualified for violating team eligibility rules. Refer to Section 1.18 of the Rulebook for more details.
Here is a statement from Team CrossFit Riviera:
“To all our supporters, fans, friends and family, with a heavy heart and with great disappointment, our team CrossFit Riviera was informed today, by the Director of the CrossFit Games, Justin Bergh, that our team, according to their best judgement, stands in violation of one of the points in the rule book and hence has been disqualified for the 2018 Games season. We would like to take a minute to explain the situation to all of you who cheered for us, who supported us and everyone that made us push harder than we could have ever done just by ourselves.
Point 1.18 of the rulebook states that only one member of the team can be on official licensee of a CrossFit affiliate. In our case, this used to only be Mareck for CrossFit Riviera. At the beginning of the year, Cynthia filed for her own affiliate and her request was approved much quicker than anticipated. Hence the violation of rule 1.18. However, as further stated in the rule book there is an exception to the clause which we firmly believed and still believe applied to our team.
As a result, our team has been disqualified for an administrative and not a performance based reason. This however does not diminish the fact that our whole team has sacrificed a lot to get to the point where we are today. We are sad and disappointed that none of our arguments were able to convince CrossFit HQ otherwise. As a team, we are only left to accept the decision of CrossFit HQ and wish all the teams competing at the 2018 Games the best of luck.
We will be back, stronger, more powerful and motivated than ever.”
Yours truly, Mareck, Aurelie, Chris, Cynthia.
Learn More from CrossFit Inc.:
Allegation Form – General Rules Violation: Intended for allegations against individuals, affiliates, or teams for violating rules pertaining to team eligibility, region eligibility or submitting falsified scores.
Allegation Form – Drug Policy Violation: Intended for allegations against individuals, affiliates or teams violating our CrossFit Games Drug Policy.
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