Athletics: Gatlin could escape a lifetime ban

Justin Gatlin could escape a lifetime ban if he testifies against his coach, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has said. The 24-year-old American sprinter is facing the ban after a second positive doping test, but that could be reduced to eight years if Gatlin provides information in USADA's case against Trevor Graham.

"Since we don't have any criminal investigative powers, it takes information coming to us from people aiming for a reduction in their own doping sentences," spokesman Travis Tygert said. "It's a way to continue pursuing those involved in doping practices."

Gatlin, the Olympic and world champion and co-world record holder in the 100m, tested positive for testosterone or other steroids after a relay race in Kansas in April. He denies knowingly using banned substances.

By testifying against Graham, Gatlin would exercise the "substantial assistance" provision in WADA's code, which reduces the ban by proving "he or she bears no significant fault or negligence" in the violation.

"If an athlete can provide information on individuals involved in doping conspiracies and help us catch distributors or users we'd always welcome that evidence," Tygert said.

The International Association of Athletics Federations said this week it would investigate the activities of Graham in conjunction with USADA.

Graham, who once trained five-time Olympic medallist Marion Jones, has been involved with at least half-a-dozen athletes who have received drug suspensions. Graham has always denied direct knowledge or involvement with drug use and claimed that Gatlin was the victim of a massage therapist who rubbed testosterone cream on the sprinter's legs without his knowledge.

Sprinter Kelli White received a two-year suspension after testing positive for modafinil at the 2003 world champs in Paris. She cooperated with USADA and helped indict four men on federal charges in the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative case - including founder Victor Conte and her former coach Remi Korchemny.

Korchemny also worked with British sprinter Dwain Chambers, who was banned for two years in the BALCO case after testing positive for the steroid THG.

Graham helped launch the federal investigation of BALCO three years ago by anonymously mailing a syringe containing a previously undetectable steroid to USADA. He is reportedly under investigation in the BALCO steroid probe.

- NZPA/REUTERS