This past week it was announced that prized Philadelphia Amateur Damon Allen was banned by USADA (United States Anti Doping Agency) for using a banned substance during competition.
Allen, nineteen years old wanted to set the record straight on the circumstances surrounding the suspension.
“I had a swollen hand and my grandmother gave me a water pill and I looked on the website Globaldro.com to make sure it was safe to take the anti-inflammatory. Water pills were not on the banned substance list but the correct name was Furosimide.” said Allen.
Unfortunately it came up in a test and USADA suspended Allen.
Allen was looking at a two year ban.
“The fact that I was honest and forthright with my situation and have a sworn affidavit, USADA cut the suspension”
The ban started on September 1st and Allen can then return to active competition on March 1st, 2012.
Allen has a record of 110-9 and was a Silver Medalist at the 2010 Golden Gloves; 2011 Bronze Medal winner at the United States championship and is going to compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.