An American Judoka has been expelled from the 2012 Olympic games in London. Nick Delpopolo tested positive for THC, which is a chemical found in marijuana.
The following statement was released by Delpopolo on Monday afternoon.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Judo, my teammates, my fans, and everyone that has supported me throughout my Olympic journey. I’m sorry that I let you down. Judo is my life and competing in the Olympics has always been my dream. I would never intentionally do anything to jeopardize that. I was in total disbelief when I was told by the IOC that my test results came back positive. After making frantic phone calls to friends and family following the results, a *family member confessed that the brownies she had baked (and that I had eaten a few weeks prior) contained marijuana. I had no idea that I had ingested marijuana until that moment. I slept the entire four hour drive home the day I ate the brownie, but thought that I was just extremely tired from training and travel. My family member sent a confession letter to the Olympic Committee immediately following the call. Words cannot express how devastated and remorseful I am for making such a big mistake. Although my actions were not deliberate, I know that I let down the entire nation, and for that I am truly sorry.”
Delpopolo did not release the information as to who supplied him with the brownies. One of his family members also sent a letter to the Olympic Committee telling them that it was not his fault.
“…He had absolutely no idea that I dealt with marijuana at all, so it never would’ve crossed his mind. This is my entire fault. …This was all a huge mistake. His hard work, and not only dedication to judo, but also being a good role model should not be down graded or punished for my selfishness and stupidity. I wish I could have thought of this possibility, but I couldn’t have imagined this ever happening. He is one of the best judoka and people you could ever want to meet, and by all means does not deal with any illegal substances.”
Delpopolo competed at the 73kg weight class and went 2-1. Unfortunately he was eliminated and expelled in the repechage round.
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