China's basketball governing body stresses zero tolerance on doping after two violations in CBA

BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has emphasized its zero tolerance on anti-doping efforts after two overseas players were found guilty of anti-doping rule violations during an in-competition test in the CBA league in April.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the CBA said it has noted the disclosure by the China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) one day prior regarding doping violations involving Montrezl Dashay Harrell and Troy Akeem Gillenwater, both from the USA.

According to CHINADA's report, Harrell and Gillenwater, then playing for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers and the Guangdong Southern Tigers respectively, tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. Both of them gave up the right of having their B samples analyzed.

Acknowledging that the athletes involved retain the right to request a hearing, the CBA said that once CHINADA makes its final decision, it will strictly impose penalties in accordance with anti-doping regulations.

"The CBA firmly opposes any form of doping violations and maintains a zero tolerance stance on anti-doping efforts," read the statement. "We are committed to safeguarding the integrity and fairness of basketball and will not tolerate any breaches of anti-doping rules."

The CBA pledged to strengthen anti-doping education, raise anti-doping awareness and refine regulatory measures to ensure a fair and just competitive environment. ■