Swimmer Lochte given doping ban

Sports Desk: Twelve-time Olympic medallist Ryan Lochte says he is "devastated" by his 14-month ban for a doping violation.

The 33-year-old American has been sanctioned by the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) for an intravenous infusion.

While Lochte was not using a banned substance, athletes cannot usually receive IVs unless related to a hospitalisation or via an exemption.

Lochte posted a photo of himself on social media receiving the IV which prompted an investigation.

He told a news conference: "A rule is a rule and I accept there is a technical violation.

"I wasn't taking anything that was banned or prohibited. I am hopeful other athletes learn from my mistake."

In 2016, Lochte - the second most decorated US swimmer behind Michael Phelps - was banned from the sport for 10 months after falsely claiming he was robbed at gunpoint during the Rio Olympic Games.

The six-time Olympic champion said he and three team-mates were held up at a petrol station during a night out.

But police questioned the account after CCTV footage showed the group had vandalised the petrol station.

His latest ban runs until July 2019 having been backdated to 24 May, the date he received the prohibited intravenous infusion.

Agencies


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