Fred Kerley, the former world champion, was handed a 2-year ban on Friday for missing drug tests.
What happened?
The Athletics Integrity Unit announced the suspension, citing Kerley's negligence in not adhering to anti-doping regulations.
Kerley's missed tests occurred from May through December 2024.
Why it matters for Fred Kerley
The ban won't impact Kerley's participation in the Enhanced Games, a startup league that doesn't penalize athletes for using banned substances.
He signed with the league in September, becoming the biggest name in sprinting to join.
What comes next?
Kerley released a series of social media posts after the ban was announced, including one featuring him bursting through a phalanx of men dressed like military police.
The posts seemed to express his frustration with the doping control process.
The suspension will run through August 11, 2027.
Kerley's decision to join the Enhanced Games was seen as a bold move, given the league's stance on performance enhancers.
The 30-year-old sprinter has been open about his intentions to compete in the league.
And his social media posts suggest he's not backing down from the controversy surrounding his ban.
But the Athletics Integrity Unit's ruling makes it clear that Kerley was negligent in missing the drug tests.
So the ban will stand, despite Kerley's plans to compete in the Enhanced Games.
The World Anti-Doping Agency and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency were also mentioned in Kerley's social media posts.
Kerley's posts sparked a lively debate about the role of doping control in athletics.
The Enhanced Games league has been seen as a challenger to traditional athletics competitions.
And Kerley's participation has been seen as a major coup for the league.
But the ban has raised questions about the league's stance on doping.
Kerley's suspension will be closely watched by the athletics community.
The outcome of the ban will have significant implications for Kerley's career.
And the future of the Enhanced Games league hangs in the balance.