SBP awaiting FIBA’s final decision on Justin Brownlee doping issue

According to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio, Gilas naturalized player Justin Brownlee has completed the necessary documentation for FIBA regarding the anti-doping test he failed last year. They are currently awaiting FIBA’s final decision.

During the 2023 Asian Games men’s basketball gold in Hangzhou, China, Brownlee, aged 35, failed the anti-doping test and tested positive for carboxy-THC, a substance associated with cannabis use.

“It’s finally reached FIBA, sometime early or mid-December. I think there were just some documentation and replies Justin had to do that he submitted already because the deadline was last Monday, January 8, and we’re just waiting for FIBA’s final decision,” said Panlilio during an interview with former PBA commissioner Noli Eala on his online program.

According to Panlilio, Brownlee’s choice to not play for Brgy. Ginebra in the current PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup was a wise one.

“I think he (Brownlee) started to serve time, from the time the testing was done, sometime October 7 or 8, that’s been counted already as time served,” he stressed.

“We did guide Justin, don’t play, stop playing for now. And whatever decision that comes out, your time served started October 7.”

During a doping test on October 7 of the previous year, Brownlee’s urine sample tested positive for Carboxy-THC, a prohibited substance related to cannabis according to WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

Panlilio expressed optimism for a favorable decision regarding Brownlee, who has made significant contributions in leading Gilas Pilipinas to win the Asian Games men’s basketball gold, thereby ending the country’s 61-year title drought.

“Hoping it’s just a short suspension and hope the time served has covered [any possible suspension from FIBA]. But wishing against it, and hoping we can bring him to the next window,” he added.

At this point, Gilas has not yet formed a team since winning the Asian Games under coach Tim Cone.

The Philippines will participate in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifier for 2025. They are grouped with New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong in Group B.

The qualifiers will take place in three windows throughout February 2024, November 2024, and February 2025, utilizing a home-and-away format.