Phoenix Mercury player Diana Taurasi tests positive for banned substance
Update: The Turkish Sports Federation identified the substance Friday as modafinil, a sleep disorder medication. Taurasi’s “B” sample will not be tested until January 2 at the earliest because of the holidays.
Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi tested positive for a banned substance while playing overseas in Turkey according to a report from the Associated Press. Taurasi, who plays for Fenerbahce during the WNBA offseason was suspended by the Turkish league and missed three games.
Her lawyer, Howard Jacobs, said that the substance detected from an “A” was not a steroid or recreational drug. Taurasi requested that her “B” sample be tested.
“While she is fully cooperating with authorities, there are serious doubts about the accuracy of the test results,” Jacobs told the AP in a statement. “We are confident that Diana will be fully vindicated once all the evidence is reviewed. She regrets that someone has violated the confidentiality rules of this process, and will make no further statement at this time.”
According to the AP, the WNBA league spokesman Ron Howard had no comment on the matter.
Around the Web
- Diana Taurasi fails drug test in Turkey (ESPN)
- Laboratory that tested Taurasi has questionable history (Slam Online)
- Taurasi may face Olympic ban for positive drug test (New York Times)
