In January 2007, Nathan Piasecki took an over-the-counter supplement, 6-OXO, at the recommendation and direction of a supplement store in Colorado Springs that regularly helps athletes.  Neither 6-OXO nor the listed ingredient of 6-OXO are or were specifically listed on the List of Prohibited Substances, which Nathan Piasecki checked prior to his decision that this supplement was safe for him to take.  These facts were not disputed by USADA.   In fact, in the written decision, the single Arbitrator specifically found that "Mr. Piasecki is a sympathetic victim of his [own] negligence … He seems to have acted in good faith to prevent his consuming Prohibited Substances."

Prior to the arbitration hearing, Nathan Piasecki and USADA agreed that 6-OXO was banned as an "agent with anti-estrogenic activity."  The parties disagreed as to whether 6-OXO was an anabolic steroid.

In response to the suspension, Nathan Piasecki stated as follows:

 "I am extremely disappointed that I will miss my opportunity to try to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2008.  If 6-OXO was specifically listed as a banned substance, or if anyone had ever told me that it was banned, I never would have taken it.  I offered to help USADA with their education so that they can do a better job of communicating with athletes, because no other athlete should have to suffer through what has happened to me.  I am also determined to come back to competition and prove that my success was due to hard work and discipline, and nothing else."

For more information, please contact Howard Jacobs.

Law Offices of Howard L. Jacobs
2815 Townsgate Road, Suite 200
Westlake Village, California 91361
Tel. 805.418.9892  Cell. 818.422.0508
Fax. 805.418.9899

howard.jacobs@athleteslawyer.com
http://www.athleteslawyer.com