KEY POINTS:
New Zealander Simon Daubney has resigned from Alinghi after testing positive for cannabis.
Traces of the drug were found in his urine sample following racing in Valencia in June and he went before an America's Cup jury in London this week.
Daubney said the jury found there was no fault or negligence on his behalf and he believes the positive test could have been due to a spiked drink or other contamination.
He says he has never knowingly taken a banned substance and has since passed a polygraph.
He has resigned from Alinghi, but hopes to return to the team once his name is cleared.
Brad Butterworth, Alinghi team skipper, said: "It was unfortunate that Simon had to go through this unpleasant experience, and both his friends and I have fully supported him from the outset.
"We welcome the jury findings that there was 'no fault or negligence on behalf of Simon'.
"He is a valued team member and close friend and we feel for him and his family having endured this difficult time. Alinghi does wish to make clear that the team in no way condones the use of any drugs."
Simon Daubney's statement issued by Alinghi:
"Yesterday I went before the five-man 32nd America's Cup Jury in London regarding a positive doping test taken on 23 June 2007. While Anti Doping Norway did find traces of a recreational drug in the urine sample, the Jury found that there was no fault or negligence on my behalf. This comes as a relief to me as I have never knowingly taken a banned substance however, until this matter is completely resolved, I have resigned from Alinghi, so that they can go about their business without distraction. I hope to return to the team once my name is cleared.
"I was found in breach of the America's Cup Anti Doping Rules after a routine urine test taken by Anti Doping Norway on 23 June 2007. The urine sample returned a positive test for a recreational drug on 13 July 2007. Then the B sample returned a positive result on the 8 August.
"I have been bound by confidentiality rules up until now and want to take this opportunity to thank Alinghi and my family and friends for their enormous support during this extremely difficult time. I have done everything in my power to prove that I have never knowingly taken a banned substance of any type and to this end underwent and passed a polygraph test conducted by the UK and European Polygraph Association. I am heartened and relieved that the Jury agrees with my contention that I was a victim of contamination and or drink spiking."
- NEWSTALK ZB, NZ HERALD STAFF
