Softball: US star Middleton suspended

United States softballer Doug Middleton has been suspended for two years following a positive drug test for androstenedione.

Middleton, 42, was tested at the world championships in January in New Zealand, the American anti-doping agency said yesterday.

Androstenedione is a prohibited anobolic drug under the rules of the International Softball Federation.

As an all-star pitcher with the American team, Middleton has won numerous awards and international acclaim.