Disclosure would’ve diminished penalty

If only Kiefer Ravena declared the drink that he took before WADA (World AntiDoping Agency) testing, the FIBA penalty for a positive result would’ve been only two months but because of lack of proper drug education, the Gilas star took the examination with a clear conscience and paid the price of an 18-month suspension. WADA protocols include giving the tested athlete the opportunity to disclose consumed supplements on a Doping Control Form.

SBP president Al Panlilio said yesterday two samples of urine were taken from Ravena in a random WADA-supervised testing after the Philippines’ game against Japan in a FIBA Asia/Pacific second qualifying window for the World Cup last Feb. 25. A specialist was called in from Malaysia by WADA to conduct the testing. The examination of the sample was done in a WADA-accredited laboratory in Montreal, Canada.

After FIBA advised that Ravena tested positive for three prohibited substances with the first sample, an analysis was made of the second sample where he was also found positive. WADA said Ravena tested positive under Grade 2 grounds with a two-year suspension for unintentional use. Grade 1 grounds carry a four-year suspension for intentional use. Because of Ravena’s admission, FIBA meted out a reduced penalty of 18 months. The banned substances – all stimulants for energy recovery – were contained in the Dust drink that Ravena consumed. The drink is available over the counter in local dietary supplement stores.

Panlilio said FIBA had the option to choose the date of effectivity of the suspension, either Feb. 25 as the date of testing or May 22 as the date when the decision was made to penalize Ravena. The choice was Feb. 25 so effectively, it will be a 15-month suspension.

“Kiefer didn’t contest the decision and accepted responsibility,” said Panlilio. “On the SBP’s part, we’ ve told FIBA about Kiefer’ s character and explained the circumstances behind taking the drink that contained the prohibited substances. We informed FIBA that Kiefer has never turned out positive in our drug testing for marijuana, shabu and other so-called recreational drugs.”

Panlilio said Ravena’s commitment to actively participate in anti-drug education among Filipino athletes not only in basketball but in all sports as an ambassador is noteworthy. “We will report on Kiefer’s activities to FIBA and maybe, somewhere down the road, his suspension may be decreased,” said Panlilio. “We’ve advised FIBA that the SBP has done its own investigation into the matter and we’re moving forward to conform to WADA protocols.”