Doping could have severe consequences, including serious health risks and a likely significant negative career impact.
The health risks vary according to the banned substance but are always potentially substantial:
Substance | Consequences |
|---|
Marijuana | Loss of memory, attention, and motivation – even result in learning disabilities; Weakened immune system; Lung problems (chronic bronchitis and other respiratory diseases, even throat cancer); Psychological and physical dependence |
General Narcotics | Weakened immune system; Decreased heart rate and suppressed respiratory system; Loss in balance, coordination and concentration; Gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and constipation; Addiction and associated issues that go with addiction. |
Steroids | Psychological dependence, Acne, Baldness, Increased risk of liver and cardiovascular disease, Mood swings, Increased aggressiveness, Suicidal thoughts, Shrinking testicles (Men), Breast growth (Men), Reduced sex drive and even impotence (Men), Decrease in sperm production (Men), A Deeper voice (Women), Excessive facial and body hair (Women), Abnormal menstrual cycles (Women), An enlarged clitoris (Women) |
Blood Doping | Increased risk of heart failure, stroke, kidney damage and high blood pressure; problems with the blood like infections, poisoning, overloading of white cells and reduction of platelet count; problems with the circulatory system; infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. |
EPO (erythropoietin) | Increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack and death. |
Stimulants | Anxiety and aggression, high blood pressure, heart attack or stroke |
hGH (Human Growth Hormone) | Acromegaly – protruding forehead, brow, skull and jaw – which can’t be reversed; Enlarged heart that can result in high blood pressure and even heart failure; Damage to liver, thyroid and vision; Crippling arthritis |
Masking Agents | Dizziness, fainting, dehydration, muscle cramps; low blood pressure, loss of coordination and balance; confusion, mood swings, cardiac disorders |
The career and financial risks of doping are also severe. An anti-doping violation can include a ban from involvement in any sport (competing, coaching, etc.). This can be up to 4 years for a first offence and a potentially life ban for repeat offences.
Not all anti-doping violations carry standard / sample penalties. If a substance is specified, the default is two years unless FIBA can show that you intended to cheat.
If the person can demonstrate that they had ‘No Fault or Negligence’ in the intake of a prohibited substance, a ban will not be imposed.
If the person can demonstrate that they were ‘Not Significantly at Fault or Negligent’, depending on the degree of fault, the minimum sanction is a reprimand and a maximum of two years.
There are also potential financial sanctions. The FIBA Disciplinary Panel may decide prize money must be returned or may impose other financial sanctions.
An anti-doping violation may be a violation of contract with a club and that club may be able to terminate the contract without paying anything.
If banned, there will be no new club during this period and it may be very difficult afterwards to find a club willing to offer a contract. Commercial deals / sponsorship will inevitably be impacted.