10 athletes who were involved in doping scandals
Maria Sharapova admitted in a press conference that she had tested positive for banned substance meldonium, which she says she had been taking in the form of medication for the better part of a decade without the knowledge that it was banned.Read more: Sharapova tests positive for banned substance - All you need to know https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/maria-sharapova-admits-to-failing-australian-open-drug-test-2016Here, we look at 10 other athletes who have had drug-related struggles.
#10 Rio Ferdinand
Former Manchester United and England centreback Rio Ferdinand has had a long, illustrious career that saw him become one of the most decorated footballers of all time. Capped for England 81 times during his career, Ferdinand played for his country at three FIFA World Cups.
Although he made his debut with West Ham, it was during his 12-year stint at United that Ferdinand had the most success, and at the time his first five-year deal at the club was finalised, became the most expensive British footballer in history.
In 2003, Ferdinand failed to take a mandatory drugs test scheduled for September of that year, and an independent tribunal found the Manchester United defender guilty of misconduct. He had missed the test timing – on a shopping trip at the time, and although he returned and offered to retake the test and offer hair follicle samples, the FA refused.
The FA’s Disciplinary Committee handed him an 8-month ban and a fine of £50,000, which was upheld on appeal.