AB settles with USADA

[JVP_Yahweh]

USADA wanted 4 year ban but looks like they settled with Aaron Brooks for a 2 year ban. No competition until 2028 cycle which makes him eligible for the Olympic team trials

Aaron Brooks Receives Two Year Ban For Anti-Doping Rules Violation - FloWrestling

An independent arbiter for the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Brooks will receive a 2 year ban after testing positive for an anabolic agent.

www.flowrestling.org

 

[Sunshine88!]

USADA wanted 4 year ban but looks like they settled with Aaron Brooks for a 2 year ban. No competition until 2028 cycle which makes him eligible for the Olympic team trials

Aaron Brooks Receives Two Year Ban For Anti-Doping Rules Violation - FloWrestling

An independent arbiter for the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Brooks will receive a 2 year ban after testing positive for an anabolic agent.

www.flowrestling.org

That’s awesome news for Brooks all things considered. Such a minor offense tho. Great to hear he can compete in the Olympics. I’m betting he is a World Champion

 

[funkisfun10]

That’s awesome news for Brooks all things considered. Such a minor offense tho. Great to hear he can compete in the Olympics. I’m betting he is a World Champion

Yeah, minor...but his 2nd whoopsie. He should be thankful.

 

[McScoreley]

So big question I have right now, is AB allowed to train with NLWC? I heard mixed reports of that.

 

[mh-larch]

"Brooks' violation was unintentional". How did this happen again?

 

[DWKeller]

So big question I have right now, is AB allowed to train with NLWC? I heard mixed reports of that.

when anyone knows please share

 

[AndEEss]

This paragraph is pretty good:

5.16 There is no question that Mr. Brooks was dramatically negligent, and cavalier, in his
approach to his anti-doping obligations, especially as an elite NCAA wrestler and one who has
won an Olympic medal in wrestling, and received, especially compared to many athletes, anti-
doping education in spades. He took no steps to protect himself, simply deciding he wanted to
purchase and take DHEA and doing so, without any care for whether it was on the Prohibited List
or making any effort to determine the same until weeks later.

Hopefully AB's case will be a lesson to himself and others.

 

[Wrestleknownothing]

"Brooks' violation was unintentional". How did this happen again?

Unintentionally

 

[DWKeller]

"Brooks' violation was unintentional". How did this happen again?

I believe he was sick - the flu?

 

[AndEEss]

So big question I have right now, is AB allowed to train with NLWC? I heard mixed reports of that.

Historically, suspended athletes are not allowed to have contact with athletes in good standing with USAW/USADA.

 

[JVP_Yahweh]

Historically, suspended athletes are not allowed to have contact with athletes in good standing with USAW/USADA.

That is my understanding as well

 

[Headlock]

This paragraph is pretty good:

5.16 There is no question that Mr. Brooks was dramatically negligent, and cavalier, in his
approach to his anti-doping obligations, especially as an elite NCAA wrestler and one who has
won an Olympic medal in wrestling, and received, especially compared to many athletes, anti-
doping education in spades. He took no steps to protect himself, simply deciding he wanted to
purchase and take DHEA and doing so, without any care for whether it was on the Prohibited List
or making any effort to determine the same until weeks later.

Hopefully AB's case will be a lesson to himself and others.

This paragraph is called the face slap. Got your attention now!

 

[PSUbluTX]

Historically, suspended athletes are not allowed to have contact with athletes in good standing with USAW/USADA.

Yeah, I think it's more of a leper kind of rule than a restraining order type deal.

 

[SkiSkiSki]

I believe he was sick - the flu?

I have never heard of taking DHEA for the flu. Perhaps for recovery from the effects of the flu, but I find it hard to believe that he didn’t know it is a precursor for testosterone production by the body. He got very lucky to get off so light for a 2nd violation. All that prayer worked out in his favor.

 

[mh-larch]

This paragraph is pretty good:

5.16 There is no question that Mr. Brooks was dramatically negligent, and cavalier, in his
approach to his anti-doping obligations, especially as an elite NCAA wrestler and one who has
won an Olympic medal in wrestling, and received, especially compared to many athletes, anti-
doping education in spades. He took no steps to protect himself, simply deciding he wanted to
purchase and take DHEA and doing so, without any care for whether it was on the Prohibited List
or making any effort to determine the same until weeks later.

Hopefully AB's case will be a lesson to himself and others.

Doesn't sound "Unintentional" in the least

 

[El_Jefe]

I have never heard of taking DHEA for the flu. Perhaps for recovery from the effects of the flu, but I find it hard to believe that he didn’t know it is a precursor for testosterone production by the body. He got very lucky to get off so light for a 2nd violation. All that prayer worked out in his favor.

I can believe he didn't know. He didn't need to know because all the info was on the USADA app.

That's not a defense of him. He knew to check the USADA app and didn't bother in Wegman's or at home.

 

[a_mshaffer]

I have never heard of taking DHEA for the flu. Perhaps for recovery from the effects of the flu, but I find it hard to believe that he didn’t know it is a precursor for testosterone production by the body. He got very lucky to get off so light for a 2nd violation. All that prayer worked out in his favor.

I have never heard of taking DHEA for the flu. Perhaps for recovery from the effects of the flu, but I find it hard to believe that he didn’t know it is a precursor for testosterone production by the body. He got very lucky to get off so light for a 2nd violation. All that prayer worked out in his favor.

think he had double pneumonia... this has been discussed thoroughly in another thread somewhere....

 

[Kingslayer]

Is it confirmed he will be going 97kG ? I think he can get by Synder

 

[AndEEss]

Doesn't sound "Unintentional" in the least

The arbitrator said it was more likely than not that it (consumption of a prohibited substance) was unintentional. But, ignorance is not valid defense.

If AB comes back to wrestling he needs to grow up and be a professional. He got a pass on the first one but he’s had two antidoping violations. This is is livelihood and he needs to realize he is 100% done, forever, if he fails another drug test, USADA will pursue a lifetime ban, and that means he can’t coach anyone, ever, if that happens. He’ll have an Olympic cycle or two left after this, but the rest of his post-competition life is a long, long time.

 

[El_Jefe]

Is it confirmed he will be going 97kG ? I think he can get by Synder

Nothing is confirmed and I don't know how it could be with his career pause.

But it was widely assumed when he moved up to 92 kg, that he wouldn't cut back to 86 kg for the 2028 Olympics. Especially with how hard he had to cut to make 2nd day 86 kg at Olympic Trials. Now we'll get to find out in 2 yrs.

I'd presume that his 2 yr ban still means he can't train at NLWC or any other RTC until mid-June 2027. 97 kg looks like a strong field with Snyder, Hidlay, Buchanan, ZIllmer, probably Barr, etc. And he'll have to battle thru the challenge tourney, won't have the option of resting until the semis or finals. Talent-wise he can still do it, but the suspension doesn't help.

 

[The Pitchfork Rebel]

He knew damn well DHEA is a steroid precursor.

The Sex Hormone Precursors Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Its Sulfate Ester Form (DHEAS): Molecular Mechanisms and Actions on Human Body - PMC

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester form DHEAS, are multifunctional steroid hormones primarily produced in the adrenal cortex, with additional synthesis in peripheral tissues. DHEA/DHEAS serve as precursors to sex steroids and ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[manatree]

I can believe he didn't know. He didn't need to know because all the info was on the USADA app.

That's not a defense of him. He knew to check the USADA app and didn't bother in Wegman's or at home.

Bingo. I’m a Brooks fan, but I have no sympathy for him with this matter. He knew the rules and the proper procedures. It’s his own fault that he ignored them. He got lucky that he drew a sympathetic arbiter.

 

[Sunshine88!]

AB is truely one of the best human beings you’ll ever meet. Minor infraction and I’m positive it’s going to help him moving forward. Great human being and leader.

 

[JoeBagobagels]

Bingo. I’m a Brooks fan, but I have no sympathy for him with this matter. He knew the rules and the proper procedures. It’s his own fault that he ignored them. He got lucky that he drew a sympathetic arbiter.

IMO when people get popped for this it was something else. Think a masking agent.

 

[manatree]

IMO when people get popped for this it was something else. Think a masking agent.

Yeah. Part of my blood pressure meds (HCTZ) makes the news every now and then when an athlete pops for it as it masks other forbidden fruits. Since the closest I have ever been to being an elite athlete was being able to spell 'elite athlete,' it has never been an issue for me.

I'm willing to give an athlete the benefit of the doubt for the first offense, which for Brooks was allegedly misfiled paperwork. However, I'm a very hard sell for a second pass. Any reasonable person would think that an athlete would know the rules and how to abide by them. You would think that someone who had already run afoul once would be even more vigilant. Even if Aaron's account of events are 110% accurate, it was still a clear violation of rules that he knew about.

 

[JoeBagobagels]

Yeah. Part of my blood pressure meds (HCTZ) makes the news every now and then when an athlete pops for it as it masks other forbidden fruits. Since the closest I have ever been to being an elite athlete was being able to spell 'elite athlete,' it has never been an issue for me.

I'm willing to give an athlete the benefit of the doubt for the first offense, which for Brooks was allegedly misfiled paperwork. However, I'm a very hard sell for a second pass. Any reasonable person would think that an athlete would know the rules and how to abide by them. You would think that someone who had already run afoul once would be even more vigilant. Even if Aaron's account of events are 110% accurate, it was still a clear violation of rules that he knew about.

Yeah. Part of my blood pressure meds (HCTZ) makes the news every now and then when an athlete pops for it as it masks other forbidden fruits. Since the closest I have ever been to being an elite athlete was being able to spell 'elite athlete,' it has never been an issue for me.

I'm willing to give an athlete the benefit of the doubt for the first offense, which for Brooks was allegedly misfiled paperwork. However, I'm a very hard sell for a second pass. Any reasonable person would think that an athlete would know the rules and how to abide by them. You would think that someone who had already run afoul once would be even more vigilant. Even if Aaron's account of events are 110% accurate, it was still a clear violation of rules that he knew about.

I'm as big of a PSU fan as anyone but I'm not buying DHEA, lolol. If I'm not mistaken many athletes back in the day suffered from exercise induced asthma. I'll give Brooks a pass on the prior issue, I can see how that could happen but this? LOLOL

 

[SRATH]

Yeah. Part of my blood pressure meds (HCTZ) makes the news every now and then when an athlete pops for it as it masks other forbidden fruits. Since the closest I have ever been to being an elite athlete was being able to spell 'elite athlete,' it has never been an issue for me.

I'm willing to give an athlete the benefit of the doubt for the first offense, which for Brooks was allegedly misfiled paperwork. However, I'm a very hard sell for a second pass. Any reasonable person would think that an athlete would know the rules and how to abide by them. You would think that someone who had already run afoul once would be even more vigilant. Even if Aaron's account of events are 110% accurate, it was still a clear violation of rules that he knew about.

I can't even spell elite srathlete

 

[JVP_Yahweh]

It will be interesting to see what the layoff does to him. So much of the sport is mental and that layoff could take a mental toll. The last 2% is what differentiates the greats from the immortals and people will sometimes do anything to get an edge including taking banned substances. Praying this doesn't derail AB's career

 

[PSU Mike]

It will be interesting to see what the layoff does to him. So much of the sport is mental and that layoff could take a mental toll. The last 2% is what differentiates the greats from the immortals and people will sometimes do anything to get an edge including taking banned substances. Praying this doesn't derail AB's career

I will respectfully differ on whether prayer for his career is well directed here.

 

[Tgar]

AB derailed AB’s career. In the end, that’s just the fact and all that matters. Unfortunate.

 

[nerfstate]

From his senior high school season, AB was a personal favorite of mine. His pressure, his incredible technique, his general attitude on the mat.

There are limits, but generally, I’m very forgiving about how folks behave outside the “field of play.” I certainly don’t give a rip if they like to throw in an air guitar celly or legally frequent night clubs or whatever.

When the two combine, things get more complicated. I am more likely to believe the opinion of a professional arbiter who saw all the evidence than you all—no offense. The arbiter said he didn’t think AB was intentionally violating USADA rules, but he was a big ol dummy. I’m satisfied with that take.

But as a fan of his wrestling, I’m personally sad (and yes, mad at his big dummyness) I won’t get to see it until OTT. It was a thing of beauty.

 

[manatree]

There are limits, but generally, I’m very forgiving about how folks behave outside the “field of play.” I certainly don’t give a rip if they like to throw in an air guitar celly or legally frequent night clubs or whatever.

View attachment m2-res_1104p.mp4

If Mesenbrink ever decides to start a band, we've found his guitarist.

 

[Goggles Paisano]

2 years away from NLWC partners, and world events. I think AB has his work more than cut out for him to get back to the same trajectory. I hope I am wrong.

 

[mcpat]

Like many of you, I feel that AB got very lucky here. I can’t understand an Olympic medalist going to the pharmacy and just buying pills without checking whether it’s banned.

 

[railbirrd]

2 years away from NLWC partners, and world events. I think AB has his work more than cut out for him to get back to the same trajectory. I hope I am wrong.

Justin Basch said something on Baschamania yesterday that Aaron is in State College and something about him continuing to train during his suspension. He made it sound like Aaron is working out/can be working out in the room at Lorenzo. Perhaps I misinterpreted him ??

 

[randyl]

IF ,,, he cant train with NLWC, can he still be part of the roster, and still be paid - I have no idea how much anyone gets paid?

 

[Lil Nicky Scarfo]

Justin Basch said something on Baschamania yesterday that Aaron is in State College and something about him continuing to train during his suspension. He made it sound like Aaron is working out/can be working out in the room at Lorenzo. Perhaps I misinterpreted him ??

I didn’t hear that. And Basch is not particularly detail-oriented. I did seem to remember an open question about possibly training at Bo’s gym. Need to listen again

 

[The Pitchfork Rebel]

So can he participate in RAF?

 

[railbirrd]

I didn’t hear that. And Basch is not particularly detail-oriented. I did seem to remember an open question about possibly training at Bo’s gym. Need to listen again

It was at 4:10 timestamp on last Thursday's Baschamania broadcast. Previewing Iowa at Oklahoma State & The Final Regular Season Weekend! | Podcast Episodes | Baschamania

 

[NLB_Six]

Is it confirmed he will be going 97kG ? I think he can get by Synder

I asked him myself, between sessions at the 2025 NCAAs. He confirmed the move to 97kg