ARG - Three-year ban for Pittman

BUENOS AIRES (Liga Nacional) - The Argentinian Liga Nacional's Court of Discipline have handed Joshua Pittman a three-year ban after failing a doping test for marijuana.

The punishment is the worst ever in the domestic basketball league and could signal the end of the 31-year-old's career.

American small-forward Pittman failed the test after playing a starring roll for Libertad in their 72-62 win over Belgrano in the Liga Nacional first stage on November 11.

The Libertad board decided to sack Pittman after the result was announced and subsequently failed to win the Super 8 tournament in Mar del Plata.

The decision will be sent to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Dr Diego Grippo, who is in charge of doping tests, told Ole newspaper: "We cannot confirm whether marijuana does or does not improve the players' performances.

"It does not make you jump higher or score more three-pointers, but among the effects of this drug is sedation.

"Players can step onto the court feeling fearful or nervous, but if you take the drug you can be more relaxed. That's an advantage.

"Maybe Pittman needs it to be ok."

It is the second time Pittman has tested positive for marijuana - while playing for giants Atenas in 2005 he was banned for three months for failing a doping test.

Argentina national team doctor Grippo believes there are three aspects to consider when dealing with doping cases.

"You must consider if it increases sporting performance, if it puts the player's health at risk and if goes against the sporting ethic," he added.

"If there are two of the three, it is considered positive doping. People believe it's positive when it just increases the performance, but health is first. If you smoke marijuana it can provoke tachycardia so life is at risk."

By Matias Greco
FIBA