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7/15/09 11:46 PM | Ricky Dimon
Richard Gasquet avoided a lengthy ban from tennis on Wednesday and is allowed to return to the ATP Tour, effective immediately. Gasquet was found to have inadvertently taken Cocaine at a Miami nightclub back in March.
The International Tennis Federation's tribunal panel ruled on Wednesday that Richard Gasquet tested positive for Cocaine in Miami earlier this year due to inadvertently taking cocaine. Because Gasquet's error was deemed an honest mistake, the 23-year-old Frenchman was cleared to return to the ATP Tour. Instead of a possible ban up to as many as two full years, Gasquet's ban ends at two and half months.
The tribunal panel, which was composed of three lawyers, found that Gasquet consumed no more than "a grain of salt" of cocaine. A substantial ban, according to the panel, would have been "unusual to the point of being probably unique."
Added the panel of Gasquet: "We have found the player to be a person who is shy and reserved, honest and truthful and a man of integrity and good character. He is neither a cheat nor a user of drugs for recreational purposes."
The positive test was allegedly the result of Gasquet kissing a woman, only referred to as "Pamela," who had been in contact with cocaine earlier in the evening.
Gasquet, who has slipped to No. 32 in the world rankings, missed both the French Open and Wimbledon as a result of his suspension. A spokesman said that Gasquet will return "in the next few weeks," presumably during the U.S. Open Series.
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WTF?! Even Stevie Wonder can see this is a bunch of crap. Of course, the ITF can't even recognize match-throwing in its own sport, so no wonder it would try to (ahem) blow this under the rug.
SenorPlaid , 7/16/09 3:19 PM
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Here's hoping Richie will bounce back from this. I think we'll see a new guy out there on the courts. HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL!
Rafterfan , 7/16/09 4:18 AM