New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder has been suspended for six months over anti-doping violation. The 29-year-old Tests batsman was tested positive for a supplement that contained prohibited substances during a Ford Trophy Wellington Firebirds game against Northern Knights in March.

The Sports Tribunal of New Zealand has released a statement that confirmed it has issued a suspension for Ryder after it determined that he tested positive for 1-Phenylbutan-2-amine (PBA) and N, alpha-diethyl-benzeneethanamine (DEBEA) on Mar 24, 2013. His hearing took place on August 9, and his suspension was issued on April 19.

According to the Tribunal, the mandatory penalty for anti-doping violation is two years; suspension, but Ryder was given less because he was able to establish how the prohibited substances got in his system and he did not intend to enhance his performance through the prohibited substance.

He admitted that he violated the rule, stating that he had been using a dietary supplement to lose weight. He had taken two capsules five days before being tested for the drugs.

Although the supplement didn’t list any prohibited substances on its label, Ryder had it analysed after he tested positive. The forensic analysis then confirmed the inclusion of prohibited substances in his supplement.

Ryder took the supplement on the advice of a friend who lost weight successfully by taking it. He researched about the content of the product, including researching online and asking a strength and conditioning specialist about it. When he was satisfied with his conclusion that the supplement didn’t contain any prohibited substances, he had his manager order it for him.

The Tribunal accepted the evidence that the cricketer took the supplement with the intention to lose weight and not to enhance his performance in the game.

However, because he did not contact the Drug Free Sport to check about the product even though it contained a warning, Ryder was still considered at fault.

Nevertheless, he was issued a shortened suspension of six months instead of two years. He is suspended until Oct 19, 2013.

This isn’t the only impediment to Ryder’s career. Also this 2013, just a few days after getting tested for the drug, he was assaulted outside a bar in Christchurch on March 28. He suffered a head injury and spent two days in an induced coma.

He was told of the positive result of the drug test after his release from the hospital. He has not played cricket since then.

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