Kiprop gives up fight to clear name in scandal

Kenyan runner Asbel Kiprop says he will not defend himself against accusations that he used performance-enhancing drugs. The three-time world champion and 2008 Olympic 1,500m gold medalist, faces a potentially career-ending fouryear ban after testing positive for the blood-boosting drug EPO last November. He had vowed to clear his name before an International Association of Athletics Federations disciplinary panel in London on June 28. While continuing to insist on his innocence, Kiprop said he would not fight the charges, blaming lack of financial and other support. “There is no point in putting up the fight to clear my name without the support of my managers, my federation and the government behind me,” Kiprop said.