French tennis player Richard Gasquet, known to our readers for his declaration that he is not gay, faces a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine. Gasquest says he’s innocent and will fight the charge.
Two urine samples given by Gasquet turned up positive for cocaine, though he said no traces were found on a hair sample he gave to an independent lab. If this line of defense fails, the London Independent says, he could argue that since he did not play in the event where the test was taken, it was an "out-of-competition" result and he could escape the harsh two-year ban in favor of one of three months.
French tennis player Richard Gasquet, known to our readers for his declaration that he is not gay, faces a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine. Gasquest says he’s innocent and will fight the charge.
Two urine samples given by Gasquet turned up positive for cocaine, though he said no traces were found on a hair sample he gave to an independent lab. If this line of defense fails, the London Independent says, he could argue that since he did not play in the event where the test was taken, it was an “out-of-competition” result and he could escape the harsh two-year ban in favor of one of three months.
"I know his lifestyle and this surprises me enormously as it's not like him. I had him on the phone, he is sad and really shocked," French tennis player Fabrice Santoro told Europe 1 radio station on Sunday.
Michael Llodra, his Davis Cup doubles partner, said Gasquet would have to accept the consequences if he did take cocaine. "Cocaine is not a doping product but it is still a banned substance. So, if it is confirmed, he will have to live with that and explain himself," Llodra said.
Two years ago, Gaquet denied he was having an affair with a French businessman, saying, "I was absolutely not happy about that. This question has come back hundreds of times, and every time someone turns up saying, 'Oh, I have evidence.' It is just bullshit. Neither him nor me are homosexuals. It's absolutely obvious."
