Justin Brownlee waived opening of B sample, says POC

Justin Brownlee has waived his rights and did not request to open the B sample used for a doping test conducted during the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games.

The development was told by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino to GMA News' Cedric Castillo.

The International Testing Agency on October 13 revealed that Brownlee tested positive for Carboxy-THC. According to a report by the Agence-France Presse, the said substance is linked to cannabis use.

The report said "Gilas player Justin Brownlee “waived his rights, did not request to open B sample” as deadline to respond to doping test result closes."

The said deadline to appeal was October 19.

In addition, the POC “will just wait for the final decision of ITA that will be forwarded to FIBA, SBP.”

JUST IN: POC Pres. Abraham Tolentino tells @gmanews Gilas player Justin Brownlee “waived his rights, did not request to open B sample” as deadline to respond to doping test result closes. POC “will just wait for the final decision of ITA that will be forwarded to FIBA, SBP.”

— Cedric Castillo (@cedric_castillo) October 19, 2023

The PBA previously said they were also on 'wait and see' mode regarding Brownlee's case.

PBA chairman Ricky Vargas on Tuesday said they have yet to receive sanctions, if there are any, and league commissioner Willie Marcial said they will adopt whatever sanctions will be given.

"We have not heard of any sanctions yet for Brownlee so we'll await those sanctions if there's an official violation and that's the time for us to respond," Vargas said during the league's pre-season conference on Tuesday.

"'Di pa kami makagalaw kasi di pa alam ano ba si Brownlee," Marcial echoed to the media on the Ginebra import's status. "Kung may desisyon na tapos ma-adopt natin, tingnan natin."

(We cannot move yet since Brownlee's case has no finality yet. If there's a decision we can adopt, let's see.)

Barangay Ginebra team governor and Gilas Pilipinas Asian Games team manager Alfrancis Chua said they are letting Brownlee rest first in the United States with his family, and for him, he would not rather appeal the case.

"Kung ako ang tatanungin, ba't mo pa iko-contest eh pareho ang laman?" Chua previously said.

"Bahala siya kung ipa-open 'yung B sample. We're behind Justin but this is too personal. Kailangan respetuhin natin anong gusto niya. We're giving him feedback to help him out," he eventually added.

(If I were to be asked, why contest if it's the same content? It's up to him if he will request to open the B sample. We're behind Justin but this is too personal. We need to respect what he wants. We're giving him feedback to help him out.)

With the PBA set to open on November 5 for the reinforcement-laden Commissioner's Cup, the team has yet to find a replacement for Brownlee.

Tolentino also previously assured that the gold medal will stay in the Philippines as the Asiad rules state if two or more players fail the doping test, sanctions which will be imposed include loss of points, disqualification from a competition or event, or other sanction.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News