Friday, December 20, 2013

Alix Klineman Receives Reduced Suspension for Inadvertent Use of Banned Supplement, Responds To AAA Decision

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                                         
howard.jacobs@athleteslawyer.com