Friday, August 11, 2006

by Gene Cherry

RALEIGH, USA (Reuters): The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said on Thursday it was investigating Justin Gatlin's coach, Jamaican-born Trevor Graham, for possible doping violations.

Olympic and world 100 metres champion Gatlin faces a life ban after a positive test for the male sex hormone testosterone.

In a statement the IAAF said the investigation was being conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

"If evidence exists, either from the ongoing BALCO investigation or otherwise, that Graham has engaged in doping practices in breach of IAAF rules, disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against him through USADA," the statement said.

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has banned Graham from using its facilities because of the "unusual number of athletes he has coached who have been convicted of doping offences".

At least six athletes coached or previously coached by Graham, including disgraced former 100 metres world record holder Tim Montgomery, have been suspended for doping.

Montgomery was banned for two years for using banned substances provided by the BALCO laboratory in California.

The group does not include Gatlin, who announced last week he had failed a test for testosterone or its precursors.

The New York Times reported last month that Graham was under investigation by the same federal grand jury which is investigating San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds.

Graham's attorney issued a statement on Tuesday asking the USOC to lift its ban. It also said Graham had passed a polygraph test in which he denied distributing illict substances.

The IAAF statement said Graham's athletes could continue to compete in its World Tour meeting upon the invitation of organisers.

The Berlin Golden League meeting announced last week that Graham's athletes, including Olympic 200 metres champion Shawn Crawford and world indoor 60 metres winner Lisa Barber, would not be invited to its event next month.

USA Track & Field (USATF) spokeswoman Jill Geer said the American federation had long advocated banning anybody involved in doping offences regardless of whether or not they were an athlete.

"We await the results of this investigation during a critical time for our sport. The USATF Board of Directors also continues to examine what the organisation can and should do regarding coaches, medical personnel, agents or others in this area," she said.

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