UFC star Jon Jones banned for one year after taking ‘contaminated pill used for erectile dysfunction’
UFC champion Jon Jones has been banned for one year after reportedly taking a contaminated pill used to fight erectile dysfunction.
The American, 29, tested positive for two banned substances in June and was pulled from UFC 200, where he was due to face Daniel Cormier in Las Vegas.
Jon Jones has been banned from UFC for one yearAP:Associated Press
His punishment, imposed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, is backdated to July.
The interim light-heavyweight title holder told ESPN: “Although I was hopeful for a better outcome in the USADA ruling today I am very respectful of the process in which they allowed me to defend myself.
“I have always maintained my innocence and I am very happy I have been cleared in any wrongdoing pursuant to the allegations made that I had intentionally taken a banned substance.
“I am pleased that in USADA’s investigation they determined I was ‘not a cheater of the sport’.”
A tearful Jones apologised at the time of his out-of-competition positive urine test and insisted he did not take a performance-enhancing drug.
Jon Jones cried as he apologised after failing a drugs testAP:Associated PressJon Jones had taken a pill that prevented erectile dysfunctionGetty Images
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Today the UFC acknowledged the suspension and said the ban “indicates no evidence of Jones’ intentional use of banned substances”.
The American fighter, 29, thought he was taking Cialis but instead used another form of tadalafil team-mate Eric Blasich had bought.
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