Professor [Wayne McLaughlin], a biochemist, responded saying that while the stimulant was of a higher concentration in the athlete s sample - 720 nanograms per millilitre - it would be difficult to say since the effects of the stimulant on an athlete vary depending on the individual. He did acknowledge, however, that the stimulant could have had a direct effect on the athlete s neurotransmitters, which could mean that the athlete may have been aware of the effects on his body.
We appreciate that in Mrs [Campbell-Brown]'s case, JADCO operated merely as an agent for the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), under whose auspices she performed last year when she returned a positive drug test. It is also noted that JADCO was not the agency responsible for the adjudication of Mrs Campbell-Brown's case.
News broke on July 14 that five Jamaican athletes had failed drug tests at the national championships in June, setting off one of the biggest drug scandals ever faced by Jamaican athletes and authorities. In addition to [Smikle], global stars, former 100-metre world record holder Asafa Powell and Olympic 100-metre silver medalist She rone Simpson, as well as Allison Randall and 19-year-old Damar Robinson also failed drug tests. The news broke one month after it was announced that Veronica Campbell Brown, another global star and two-time Olympic 200-metre champion, had failed a drug test after competing at the Jamaica International Invitational in May.
Alando Terrelonge, the lawyer representing embattled national sprinter Steve Mullinge, says in light of last weeks ruling by members of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) disciplinary panel not to accept into evidence an affidavit by Mullings, it is very likely that the case could be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). According to Terrelonge, who along with Patrick Bailey are representing Mullings, they are looking at taking the case to CAS. They will base their argument on an unfair hearing, as Mullings in the affidavit explained to the panel that he could not attend the hearing due to the fact that he is being 'set up', and he is 'fearful for his life'.
[Simpson]'s case will be heard on January 7 and 8 while [Powell]'s will come up a week later on January 14 and 15. Powell was not happy about the January hearing dates but the challenge faced by the panel is that [Robinson] will be representing JADCo in the cases of Allison Randall, Demar Robinson and Través Smikle which are set to be concluded by December 17 this year. Both athletes were present at the preliminary hearing held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston.
