Australia’s Dopiest Athletes: 20+ sportsmen and women sanctioned by Sports Integrity Australia
From international representatives to local amateurs, these sportsmen and women are all serving bans for drug offences. See the full list.
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Australian sports fans rightly pride themselves on our spirit of giving everyone a fair go.
We are also among the loudest critics when heroes from other countries are found to have defeated our best with the help of illicit substances.
However, we may not be as clean and pure as the one-eyed sports fans would like to believe.
The issue of doping has penetrated into our sporting ranks just as it has around the world - from the highest international representatives to amateur athletes just trying to make their mark in local competitions.
Sports Integrity Australia is the organisation charged with the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting such offences which can bring shame on those found guilty, and can also have serious long-term health effects.
One year out from the next Olympics, there are over 20 Australian athletes who are either currently serving, or just completed, significant bans for doping offences.
Here is the full list.
Alicia Bloom
Date of birth: April 9, 1993
Sport: Powerlifting
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: Ostarine (Enobosarm)
Sanctioned by: Australian Powerlifting Union
Sanction: Four years (March 27, 2021 to March 26, 2025)
The powerlifter received a four-year ban from the sport after an “Adverse Analytical Finding” was detected in an in-competition doping control test.
The prohibited substance Ostarine, a category S1 Anabolic Agent, is not approved for human use or consumption in Australia.
Bloom is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until her ban is over.
Brian Carminati
Date of birth: March 19, 1996
Sport: Wheelchair Basketball
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: 1,4-dimethylpentylamine (methylhexaneamine), Higenamine, GW1516 sulfone (metabolite of GW1516), GW1516 sulfoxide (metabolite of GW1516)
Sanctioned by: Basketball Australia
Sanction: Fours years after returning from retirement (August 17, 2018 to August 17, 2022)
In 2018, while playing for the Kilsyth Cobras in the NWBL, the wheelchair basketballer returned a positive post-game test, returning traces of prohibited substances, Higenamine and/or GW1516.
Both substances are known to cause severe and adverse side effects affecting one’s health.
Patrick Constable
Date of birth: July 15, 1995
Sport: Cycling
ADRV: Presence
Substance/Method: Clenbuterol
Sanctioned by: Union Cycliste Internationale
Sanction: Three years (August 20, 2020 to August 19, 2023)
Having represented Australia at both the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – where he picked up a bronze medal in the men’s team sprint – was handed a three-year ban by the UCI after the prohibited substance Clenbuterol was detected in 2019.
Stephen Dank
Date of birth: October 20, 1963
Sport: Australian football
ADRV: Attempted trafficking, Complicity, Trafficking
Substance/Method: Hexarelin, Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-2, Mechano Growth Factor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Follistatin, Thymosin Beta-4, CJC-1295, Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP-6)
Sanctioned by: Australian Football League (AFL)
Sanction: Lifetime period of ineligibility (June 25, 2015)
Following his involvement in the Essendon drug scandal, Dank was banned for life by the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal, June 2015.
In a Sport Integrity Australia statement, former ASADA CEO Ben McDevitt said: “Mr Dank should never be allowed near any sporting venue or any athlete anywhere in the world, ever.
“This ruling by the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal has confirmed my view.”
Jessica Gray
Date of birth: July 17, 1985
Sport: Powerlifting
ADRV: Possession, Presence, Use
Substance/Method: 19-norandrosterone (metabolite of nandrolone, norandrostenedione or norandrostenediol), 19-noretiocholanolone (metabolite of nandrolone, norandrostenedione or norandrostenediol), Nandrolone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Sanctioned by: Powerlifting Australia
Sanction: Four years (January 16, 2018 to January 16, 2026)
After initially receiving a four-year ban back in 2018 for the presence, use and possession of prohibited substances, Gray competed prior to the lifting of her ban.
The powerlifter competed in a “powerlifting event administered by the Council of Australian Powerlifting Organisations on September 21, 2019,” an SIA media statement read.
Gray was given an additional four-year ban for her actions and cannot compete in “Any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 16 January 2026. She is also not permitted to compete in a non-signatory professional league, or event organised by a non-signatory International or National level event organisation,” as per SIA.
Michael Jennings
Date of birth: April 20, 1988
Sport: Rugby league
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy LGD-4033, Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren, OH Ibutamoren
Sanctioned by: National Rugby League (NRL)
Sanction: Three years (September 21, 2020 to September 20, 2023)
The former NRL star was charged with sporting violations by the SIA back in 2020, putting a shocking end to a remarkable 298 game, 14-year career.
Addressing the media following the findings Jennings said, “I am totally against any form of cheating in sport and am completely shocked to find myself in this position,’’ Jennings said in a prepared statement.
Jennings was charged with the presence of prohibited substances and their use.
Despite the former Origin and international player adamant he does not know how the substances found their way into his body, he will not be eligible to return to competition until September 21, 2023.
Dean Johnston
Date of birth: August 25, 1984
Sport: BMX
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: Exogenous Testosterone, Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, 5b-androstane-3a, 17b-diol (5bAdiol)
Sanctioned by: AusCycling
Sanction: Four years (March 4, 2020 to March 3, 2024)
The BMX rider received a four-year ban from AusCycling back in 2020.
“Any results obtained from 4 March 2020 onwards are disqualified and any medals, points or prizes obtained are forfeited,” an SIA media statement read.
Aaron Kroll
Date of birth: July 29, 1992
Sport: Weightlifting
ADRV: Presence, Use, Possession
Substance/Method: 2a-methyl-3a-hydroxy-5a-androstan-17-one (metabolite of Drostanolone) (Presence), Drostanolone (Use), Testosterone (Possession)
Sanctioned by: Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF)
Sanction: Four years (July 10, 2020 to July 9, 2024)
Kroll returned an AAF after taking an out-of-competition control test in 2018.
SIA said the weightlifter is: “Ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 10 July 2024. He is also not permitted to compete in a non-signatory professional league, or event organised by a non-signatory International or National level event organisation.”
Nathan Mortensen
Date of birth: March 3, 1984
Sport: Weightlifting
ADRV: Presence, Use, Possession
Substance/Method: RAD140, LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy LGD-4033, Ostarine (Enobosarm) and its metabolites Hydroxy-ostarine and O-dephenylostarine
Sanctioned by: Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF)
Sanction: Four years (September 10, 2020 to September 9, 2024)
Mortensen was banned from competing after an out-of-competition doping control test returned an AAF.
Mortensen used and was in possession of Class S1 (Anabolic Agents) which are prohibited substances at all times.
William Morunga
Date of birth: June 22, 1982
Sport: Rugby league
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (metabolite of cannabis)
Sanctioned by: Queensland Rugby League
Sanction: Lifetime ban (September 14, 2010)
Handed one of the harshest penalties in Aussie sports, Morunga was given a lifetime ban for testing positive to cannabis in 2010.
His first violation following a test in 2005 resulted in a two-month ban and his second in 2006, resulted in a two-year ban.
Liam Moseley
Date of birth: September 3, 1997
Sport: Rugby union
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 (metabolite of LGD-4033), LGD-4033
Sanctioned by: Rugby Australia
Sanction: Three years (April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2024)
The ex-Brisbane Lions Academy, Broncos U20s and Reds Academy player was sanctioned for the presence of a metabolite of a prohibited substance and the use of a prohibited substance.
Rugby Australia imposed a three year ban, with the SIA stating he: “Is ineligible to participate in any sports that have adopted a World Anti-Doping Code compliant anti-doping policy until 1 April 2024.”
Kade Mosig
Date of birth: September 26, 1989
Sport: Motorsport / Motorcycling
ADRV: Attempted trafficking, Attempted use, Possession, Presence, Trafficking, Use
Substance/Method: 19-norandrosterone (metabolite of nandrolone, norandrostenedione or norandrostenediol), 19-noretiocholanolone (metabolite of nandrolone, norandrostenedione or norandrostenediol), Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), CJC-1295, Clenbuterol, Testosterone, Growth Hormone, D-amphetamine
Sanctioned by: Motorcycling Australia
Sanction: Six years (July 10, 2018 to July 9, 2024)
Mosig was sanctioned for 18 violations involving “the presence; use and/or attempted use (eight separate violations); possession (six separate violations), and trafficking and/or attempted trafficking (four separate violations) of prohibited substances,” SIA said.
The motorcycle rider was handed a six year ban by Motorcycling Australia, which concludes July 9, 2024.
Tom Piroddi
Date of birth: June 6, 1997
Sport: Rugby union
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 (metabolite of LGD-4033), LGD-4033 (Ligandrol)
Sanctioned by: Rugby Australia
Sanction: Three years (March 15, 2022 to March 15, 2025)
The former Galloping Greens player was handed a three-year ban by Rugby Australia, “for the presence of a metabolite of a prohibited substance and the use of a prohibited substance,” SIA said.
Michael Reynolds
Date of birth: August 19, 1990
Sport: Baseball
ADRV: Presence
Substance/Method: d-amphetamine / dextroamfetamine, methylphenidate (and its metabolite ritalinic acid)
Sanctioned by: Baseball Australia
Sanction: Three years (March 10, 2022 to March 10, 2025)
American baseballer and former Canberra Cavalry and Adelaide Giants second baseman was handed a three-year ban after SIA said he “returned an AAF from an in-competition doping control test on 4 February 2021 which detected the presence of the Prohibited Substances d-amphetamine/dextroamfetamine, and methylphenidate and its metabolite ritalinic acid.”
Ben Shaw
Date of birth: November 14, 1991
Sport: Triathlon
ADRV: Presence
Substance/Method: Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 (metabolite of LGD-4033)
Sanctioned by: Sport Ireland
Sanction: Four years (July 22, 2020 to July 21, 2024)
The Irish triathlete was dealt a four-year ban from the sport after returning an AAF from an out-of-competition drug test.
LGD-4033 which is a S1 Class of Anabolic Agents was detected from the sample.
Sport Ireland handed Shaw a four-year ban, with the athlete immediately retiring from the sport after the ruling.
Ondrej Slezak
Date of birth: June 2, 1983
Sport: Cycling
ADRV: Attempted use, Possession, Presence, Use
Substance/Method: 4-chloro-3a-hydroxyandrost-4-en-17-one (metabolite of clostebol), 17a-hydroxymethyl-17b-methyl-18-nor-2-oxa-5a-androst-13-en-3-one (metabolite of oxandrolone), 16b-hydroxystanozolol (metabolite of stanozolol), 17-epi-stanozolol-N-glucuronide (metabolite of stanozolol), Thymosin Beta-4, Mechano Growth Factor, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP-6), Insulin Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
Sanctioned by: Cycling Australia
Sanction: Four years (December 12, 2017 to December 12, 2025)
Slezak received a four-year ban from Mountain Bike Australia and Cycling Australia for, “the presence, use, use or attempted use (three separate violations); attempted use (two separate violations) and possession (five separate violations) of prohibited substances,” SIA said.
The cyclist was handed an additional four-year ban after breaching his period of ineligibility after competing in the 2020 Snowies MTB Festival, pushing his ban till 2025.
Brendan Southwick
Date of birth: August 19, 1983
Sport: Weightlifting
ADRV: Presence, Use
Substance/Method: Clenbuterol, Furosemide
Sanctioned by: Australian Weightlifting Federation (AWF)
Sanction: Four years (June 20, 2017 to June 19, 2025)
Originally banned for a period of four-years by the AWF, Southwick breached his period of ineligibility prior to the ban being over.
“It was determined that Mr Southwick breached his initial period of ineligibility (from 20 June 2017 to 19 June 2021) by providing coaching, training and/or ongoing support to an athlete who competes in the sports of BMX and weightlifting,” SIA said.
Kristy-Lee Swadling
Date of birth: December 15, 1989
Sport: Powerlifting
ADRV: Presence
Substance/Method: Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone (DHCMT)
Sanctioned by: IPF Anti-Doping Commission
Sanction: Four years (September 24, 2020 to September 25, 2024)
The powerlifter was given a four-year ban after a urine sample provided during the 2019 NSW Powerlifting Championships returned an AAF for prohibited substance Dehydrochloromethyl-testosterone (DHCMT).
“DHCMT is classified as an Exogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroid under Section S1.1A of the WADA Prohibited List. It is a “non-specified substance”, the use of which is prohibited both in-competition and out-of-competition under the IPF Anti-Doping Rules,” SIA said.
Heath Wilson
Date of birth: July 22, 1997
Sport: Rugby league
ADRV: Presence, Use, Tampering or Attempting Tampering
Substance/Method: Di-hydroxy LGD-4033 (metabolite of LGD-4033), LGD-4033
Sanctioned by: QRL Anti-Doping Tribunal
Sanction: Four years (May 19, to May 18, 2024)
The former Eastern Suburbs player was hit with a four year sanction by the QRL Anti-Doping Tribunal in 2020.
“It was determined that on and/or before 3 March 2020 Mr Wilson used LGD-4033, which is prohibited in and out-of-competition under the S1 Class of Anabolic Agents.
“It was also determined that on and/or between 18 May 2020 and 19 May 2020, Mr Wilson tampered or attempted to tamper with a part of Doping Control,” SIA said.
Zachary Wilson
Date of birth: August 6, 1990
Sport: Baseball
ADRV: Presence
Substance/Method: 5-methylhexan-2-amine (1,4-Dimethylpentylamine)
Sanctioned by: Baseball Australia
Sanction: Two years (September 25, 2021 to September 24, 2023)
Former Canberra Cavalry player Wilson was hit with a two-year ban for the presence of a prohibited substance in 2021.
His sanction lifts September 25, 2023
Bronson Xerri
Date of birth: September 10, 2000
Sport: Rugby league
ADRV: Presence, Use, Possession
Substance/Method: Exogenous Testosterone, and its metabolites Androsterone, Etiocholanolone, and 5b-androsterone-3a, 17b-diol, Testosterone
Sanctioned by: NRL Anti-Doping Tribunal
Sanction: Four years (November 25, 2019 to November 24, 2023)
Handed a four-year ban by the NRL Anti-Doping Tribunal back in 2019, the ex-Cronulla player was sanctioned for the presence of a prohibited substance and its metabolites, the use of a prohibited substance, and possession of a prohibited substance.
The player said to News Corp earlier this year that: “I was young. Still a kid and young and dumb. It was the biggest mistake of my life.
“The key is to accept it and move on. The first two years were very tough. I’ve accepted it. I took full ownership of it and I am ready to move on with my life and career.”
Xerri said that he is on a strict regimen until his return in November where he must pass every drug test.
“My contract does not get registered until I pass every drugs test until November,” Xerri said. “People can say I’m still on steroids but the facts are I’m getting tested once a month. I’ve passed every single one of them.”
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Originally published as Australia’s Dopiest Athletes: 20+ sportsmen and women sanctioned by Sports Integrity Australia
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