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WADA seeks lifetime ban for Hamilton

published 16 July 2009

Antidoping agency seeks maximum penalty for American's second offense

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Tyler Hamilton was glad to have found Rock Racing (Image credit: Bettini Photo)

The World Antidoping Agency (WADA) is seeking a lifetime ban for American Tyler Hamilton, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced Thursday. Hamilton had been given an eight-year sanction by the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA), but WADA appealed to CAS to have that decision overturned and the lifetime ban imposed.

Hamilton accepts eight-year suspension

Hamilton and Ball speak about suspension

Hamilton tested positive for Testosterone in an out-of-competition doping control taken before the Tour of California in February. He claimed the positive came as a result of homeopathic medicine he was taking for depression. He accepted an eight-year ban on June 11, 2009.

Since Hamilton previously served a suspension for homologous blood doping in 2004, the second offense can lead to an eight-year to lifetime ban. WADA is seeking the maximum penalty.

"The procedure will be conducted in accordance with the Code of Sports-related Arbitration and as a general rule a final decision will be rendered within four months," the CAS said.

Hamilton announced following the positive test that he would retire from the sport.