Los Angeles (December 20, 2013) – The American Arbitration
Association recently issued its decision suspending volleyball player Alix
Klinemen from competition from May 22, 2013 through June 9, 2014 for her
inadvertent use of a banned supplement, thereby allowing her to return to
competition early next summer.
In its decision, the AAA Panel summarized the reasons for
its decision as follows:
“USADA
agreed with [Alix Klineman’s] contention that she is not a drug cheat. [Alix Klineman] is an exceptional, forthright
person who unfortunately finds herself caught up in the persistent world-wide
efforts to eradicate performance enhancing drugs in sport through the
imposition of stringent minimum penalties even where clear and convincing proof
exists that an athlete made a small error with no intent to gain a competitive
advantage.”
In responding to the AAA decision, Alix Klineman stated as
follows:
“This has been a devastating
experience for me. It is an understatement to say it is heartbreaking for me to
be punished for something I never intended to do. Having accidentally taken a
banned substance means that I am placed in the same category as those who meant
to cheat to get an unfair advantage. This, of course, was never my intention
nor did I ever know that I was taking a banned substance.
Nevertheless, I am pleased that the
Arbitration Panel recognizes that I never attempted to gain any competitive
advantage nor did I obtain any competitive advantage through my mistake.
Further, the panel has stated in their report that they believe that I took
reasonable precautions to avoid taking any prohibited substances.
I look forward to returning to
competition as soon as possible, and working toward my ultimate goal of
representing my country at the 2016 Olympic Games.”
For more information please contact Howard Jacobs:
Howard L. Jacobs
Law Offices of Howard L. Jacobs
2815 Townsgate Road, Suite 200
Westlake Village, California 91361
Tel. 805.418.9892
Cell. 818.422.0508
Fax. 805.418.9899
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