Pat Mendes Banned for HGH Use

[BendtheBar]

Pat Mendes, top American weightlifter, banned for HGH use ? USATODAY.com

COLORADO SPRINGS (AP) – Weightlifter Pat Mendes has been suspended for two years after testing positive for human growth hormone.


Weightlifter Pat Mendes became the first American in an Olympic sport to test positive for HGH and be disciplined for it.
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Mendes, the top-ranked American in the over-105-kilogram weight class, admitted he used HGH after it showed up in two samples tested at an accredited lab in Utah, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said in a news release Monday.

The 21-year-old from Las Vegas, who finished eighth at last year's Pan Am Games, became the first American in a current Olympic sport to be disciplined for a positive HGH test. Last year, baseball player Mike Jacobs of the Colorado Rockies became the first North American pro athlete punished for taking HGH.

USADA CEO Travis Tygart said the positive test, combined with Mendes' acceptance of the ban, "further confirms there's no legitimate reason for this test to not be put in effect in the NFL and other pro sports."

The NFL and NFL Players Association have tried to reach an agreement on how to implement HGH testing for more than six months. The players asked for more scientific data to prove the test is reliable.

Experts in the anti-doping movement said the test's reliability has been rigorously proven.

"The announcement today further demonstrates the scientific validity of the HGH test," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "We look forward to resolving any remaining issues with the NFLPA and implementing the testing program agreed upon last summer" in the new collective bargaining agreement.

Union spokesman George Atallah did not immediately respond to a request from the Associated Press for comment. Union leaders and league executives met Monday in New York to discuss several issues, including HGH testing.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[LtL]

Guess the Broz aren't as average as we thought

LtL

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by LtL

Guess the Broz aren't as average as we thought

LtL

The rent is going up on average.

[austin.j.taylor]

All the other issues aside, I wish we spent as little time trying to catch our athletes doping as other countries do. I mean seriously, they have had a hard on trying to catch this kid for at least 3 years. He finished 8th at the Pan Am games. Not exactly a person they need to chase around attempting to catch 24/7/365.

[J_Byrd]

Hgh? Really? That's the concern? I didn't even think they had a test for it!

[Pull14]

ABG's Josh Gilbert, 62kg, also tested pos for furosemide and has accepted a suspension.

In our culture (US), steroid use is vilified and the USADA mirrors public opinion with its strict standards and frequent testing. In this regard, "foreign" lifters have greater leeway as it isn't the major moral issue that it is here... and the USADA only has authority over US lifters. Not to say other guys don't get popped, but it obviously appears much easier to avoid.

An unfortunate situation for Broz and his guys, but I personally hold nothing against them. Training ain't easy with or without...

[Off Road]

Top lifters using? Color me shocked!

[Chillen]

Most know taking HGH is illegal in the sport. So, if you know you are taking it, and have a risk factor of getting caught then: If you do the crime, you have no choice but to do the time.

Do not feel sorry for the person. Lets hope the ones above him in placement were not on an illegal substance, and have proven that its not really needed. Much power to them, baby!

[Mr.Silverback]

Just my thoughts...why are they concerned so much with him, obviously MOST are dipping in some sort of PEDs so get over it....we have kids that go hungry everyday right here in America, but choose to pursue after frivolous issues.

Silverback Barbell

[Fazc]