Graeme McDowell final month at LIV Golf’s occasion in Spain.
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Graeme McDowell has been suspended by LIV Golf for breaking its anti-doping coverage, the 2010 U.S. Open winner and Saudi Arabia-backed league introduced Sunday in statements.
LIV mentioned the suspension could be for one event and be utilized at this week’s occasion in West Virginia. The tour mentioned McDowell used “a decongestant medication that included a banned substance, R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine).”
In an announcement posted to his X account, McDowell mentioned he had used “a generic Vicks nasal decongestant with out realizing it is perhaps on the banned record” forward of LIV’s occasion in Nashville, performed in late June. He additionally famous that “in contrast to another excursions, LIV enforces these guidelines rigorously.”
Beneath is McDowell’s full assertion that he posted to X:
“Forward of LIV Nashville, I used to be combating extreme congestion that was affecting my sleep. In an effort to handle it, I used a generic Vicks nasal decongestant with out realizing it is perhaps on the banned record. As an expert golfer, I perceive the significance of checking all medicines and the choice to use for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Sadly, I didn’t assume to do that as a result of over-the-counter nature of this medication, and I deeply remorse the oversight. I totally settle for the sanctions imposed by LIV.
“LIV’s Anti-Doping Coverage is designed to be thorough and clear. Not like another excursions, LIV enforces these guidelines rigorously, which made this example significantly difficult for me. Nevertheless, I respect the necessity for these guidelines and penalties — they’re important for sustaining the integrity of the game.
“I’m happy with my 22-year profession and the way in which I’ve carried out myself all through it. Now, I’m centered on transferring ahead and getting again on the golf course. I stay up for seeing everybody at LIV Chicago!”
In its assertion, LIV additionally mentioned McDowell could be fined $125,000, and that his outcomes and his staff’s outcomes (he performs with Smash GC on the tour) for the Nashville occasion could be disqualified.
Beneath is LIV’s full assertion that it posted to its web site:
“LIV Golf has suspended Smash GC’s Graeme McDowell for one event after figuring out he violated the league’s anti-doping coverage throughout LIV Golf Nashville through the use of a decongestant medication that included a banned substance, R-methamphetamine (levo-methamphetamine).
“Accordingly, and in accordance with the Coverage, a one event suspension efficient at LIV Golf Greenbrier might be imposed; a high-quality of $125,000 might be assessed; and the participant’s and staff’s outcomes for LIV Golf Nashville might be disqualified (with prize cash and factors retroactively adjusted).
“McDowell’s emptiness on Smash GC might be stuffed by a to-be-confirmed reserve participant at LIV Golf Greenbrier, August 16-18. He might be eligible to return to competitors at LIV Golf Chicago, September 13-15.”
McDowell and his staff additionally posted a barely completely different assertion to Instagram, which may be learn under:
“Throughout LIV Golf Nashville, I used to be chosen for a random check as a part of the league’s anti-doping program. I had mistakenly used an over-the-counter medicated decongestant stick for congestion that included a banned substance, leading to a constructive check. I take full accountability and have accepted the sanctions from LIV Golf, together with the suspension from Greenbrier. This has been a troublesome studying expertise, however I perceive the significance of sustaining the integrity of our sport. I’m wanting ahead to getting again on the course with my teammates at LIV Golf Chicago.”
McDowell has performed with LIV because the upstart league began play in June of 2022.
