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Steroid Use Suspected by Scotland Rugby Player Scott MacLeod
[October 27th, 2008] by Millard Baker
Scotland and Llanelli Scarlets rugby player Scott MacLeod produced an elevated testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio in a recent anti-doping test. The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) reported the adverse analytical finding to his team last week \.
MacLeod’s A sample showed a level greater than the WADA permitted figure of four to one, sparking an investigation.
If his B sample – the urine is put into two separate containers and sealed by the tester in the presence of the athlete after he or she produces their sample – backs up the initial finding, which is normally the case, MacLeod faces the prospect of another appearance before Scottish disciplinary chiefs.
Scott MacLeod’s testosterone to epitestosterone ratio was elevated similar to Tour de Franc winner Floyd Landis. Also, MacLeod, like Landis, is determined to prove a physiological explanation for the elevated ratio.
He would have to prove his innocence to escape a minimum ban of probably two years because testosterone is an anabolic agent, which some athletes inject into the body in an effort to illegally improve their sporting performance.
MacLeod is understood to have denied any illegality and claimed his body contains a higher level of testosterone than normal – it is produced naturally – but acknowledged he does not have a TUE for it.
Floyd Landis was unable to successfully appeal his ban and disqualification from the Tour de France even after spending millions of dollars on a legal defense. However, it appears that that UK Sports has exonerated the overwhelming majority of athletes who have failed this particular doping test.
Those keen to speculate whether MacLeod is telling the truth should note that of 21 cases involving abnormal levels of testosterone investigated by UK Sport over the past two years, 20 were found to have a physiological explanation.
Thus, MacLeod may be able to avoid the ban and suspension and continue playing rugby for Scotland and the Scarlets.
Tags: llanelli scarlets, rugby, scotland rugby, scott macleod, scottish rugby union, steroids, testosterone, WADA
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