THIS could be Justin Brownlee’s biggest battle–off the court.
Philippine Olympic Committee President and Tagaytay Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized star and Ginebra resident import is preparing his medical documents if and when an appeal is needed before the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
“Ang inaasikaso na muna niya ay iyong mga medical documents niya at kung ano iyong prinescribe sa kanya nang nag-medication siya sa United States,” Tolentino said last Saturday on the Power and Play program hosted by former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala.
“Certifications that will be needed in case mag-appeal after the opening of B sample and if after the opening, nag-positive uli,” he added.
In a stunning turn of events, the 6-foot-5 Brownlee, 35, last Friday failed a doping test during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China where he starred in the Philippine five’s golden conquest.
The banned substance Carboxy-THC, which is linked to Cannabis use during his medication and recovery after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs on his foot before his Asiad stint, was found in his urine sample.
He faces a two-year suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency if his B sample confirms the first positive test, meaning he will be banned from FIBA-backed tournaments and the PBA.
The result of the B sample will be forwarded to the Court of Arbitration for Sport where the appeal will be filed.
“We were given up to (October) 19 kung susundin namin iyong rights ni Brownlee na pupunta ng Beijing at titingnan iyong opening ng B sample or send a representative or online or waive your rights,” Tolentino said.
“Kahit anong mangyari after October 19, the International Testing Agency, for sure, they will schedule an opening of the B sample with or without witnesses.”
Brownlee’s case is similar to what happened to former NLEX standout Kiefer Ravena, now plying his trade in the Japan B. League.
The world governing body for basketball banished Ravena for 18 months after finding a prohibited substance in his system during a World Cup qualifying match four years ago.
The Road Warriors did not allow Ravena to play until his suspension ended.
“If that will be positive again, i-implement na iyong two-year suspension. That’s the time that we will file a case sa CAS to appeal and to justify whatever kaya dapat maipon lahat ng medication niya,” Tolentino said.
“It’s part of the prohibited but hindi enhancing drugs iyon at ginamit talaga when he was injured. Kung mapatunayan at nakita ng CAS, they might lower the suspension to one month to three months.”
Tolentino is convinced Brownlee is innocent.
