Scottsdale, AZ (Sports Network) - Vijay Singh admitted on Tuesday that he used
deer antler spray, a banned substance under the PGA Tour's Anti-Doping Policy.
After his name was included in a "Sports Illustrated" story about S.W.A.T.S.,
- Sports with Alternative to Steroids - "a two-man company run out of a gym
near Birmingham," Singh released a statement:
"In light of the recent article on sportsillustrated.com, I want to issue the
following statement:
"While I have used deer antler spray, at no time was I aware that it may
contain a substance that is banned under the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Policy. In
fact, when I first received the product, I reviewed the list of ingredients
and did not see any prohibited substances. I am absolutely shocked that deer
antler spray may contain a banned substance and am angry that I have put
myself in this position. I have been in contact with the PGA Tour and am
cooperating fully with their review of this matter. I will not be commenting
further at this time."
"Sports Illustrated" reported that Singh paid S.W.A.T.S. $9,000 for the spray
and various other products.
The tour notified players that the deer antler spray had been implicated in a
positive drug test. According to the article, golfers were made aware of the
spray's nature in 2011.
Singh, who turns 50 in a month, has long been one of the most physically fit
players in golf. He has at times been a lightning rod for controversy, but
this may reach another level.
The only player suspended by the PGA Tour for a banned substance was Doug
Barron. He received a one-year suspension due to a failed drug test for
elevated levels of testosterone.
Singh has not failed a drug test, so what the tour can do as to suspending
Singh remains to be seen.
Singh is still in the field this week for the Phoenix Open.
The Sports Network