WADA want ATP answers over Agassi

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:53

Agassi’s revelation that he used crystal meth during 1997, the worst year of his career when he slumped to 141st in the world rankings, was followed by his explanation of how he skipped a ban after failing a test. He wrote a letter protesting his innocence, and detailing how crystal meth came to be in his system because he drank a friend’s spiked drink. Agassi was spared punishment.

In his autobiography, Agassi admits that his story was a lie, and the World Anti Doping Agency are urging the Association of Tennis Professionals to explain the circumstances behind Agassi being let off.

WADA president John Fahey said: “We would expect the ATP, which administered its own anti-doping programme at that time, to shed light on this allegation.”

In a video to promote the book, Agassi, now 39, explained the rationale behind telling all, three years after retiring from the sport.

“I was brutally honest about myself,” he said.

“I detailed my misguided rebellions, my regrettable tantrums, my frustrations and distractions, and bad decision which in a few instances almost ended in catastrophe.

“It wasn’t easy to be so candid; I didn’t want to hurt anyone.

“I wasn’t keen on embarrassing myself, but I felt that my story was one from which many people could learn: difficult childhood, unhappy first marriage, struggle with professionalism, feeling of inadequacy.

“I was lucky in the end, I came through these things that so many people struggle with.”

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