Trainer says Asafa, Sherone looking for a scapegoat

(jamaicagleaner)The embattled trainer of Jamaican athletes Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson has responded to allegations that supplements he gave the sprinters may be responsible for their positive doping tests.

According the Associated Press, Chris Xuereb says the athletes must take blame and stop looking for a scapegoat.

"It is time the athletes took responsibility for their doping instead of looking around for a scapegoat, whether that person is their therapist, bartender or anyone else.”

Xuereb was speaking more than 48 hours after Powell and Simpson admitted that their A samples tested positive for a prohibited stimulant, oxilofrine.

The athletes have sought to blame the Canadian, who began working with them in May – two months before their positive test at the Jamaica National trials.

"I do not know what these athletes were taking in addition to what I suggested to them," the Xuereb’s statement said. "Although I suggested certain vitamins to these athletes, it is ultimately the athlete's responsibility to accept or reject my suggestion.”

Xuereb’s statement also says all the vitamins he provided to the sprinters were found to be legal by Italian police.

"Unfortunately, it appears that these athletes were not solely following my suggestions or WADA's (World Anti-Doping Agency) guidelines. These guidelines are in place so all athletes can have a clean sport. Both athletes are clearly looking for a scapegoat. I am confident, and I have also spoken to researchers and the police, that I have done nothing wrong."
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