Emily Brunemann Draws Six-Month Suspension Due to Inadvertent Diuretic Use – Updated

LOS ANGELES, California, January 27. ACCORDING to a press release set from her lawyer, Howard Jacobs, Michigan's Emily Brunemann has been banned from competition due to inadvertent use of a banned diuretic during the offseason.

In a decision made yesterday by the American Arbitration Association, Brunemann has been drawn a retroactive six-month suspension from Sept. 26, 2008 to March 25, 2009.

"When we were first made aware of the positive USADA out-of-season test before the fall season, we decided to not compete Emily until we had a final decision," Michigan head women's coach Jim Richardson told Swimming World. "We have decided that she will use her redshirt this year. We are appreciative of the arbitration panel and USADA for recognizing that Emily was not trying to mask any performance enhancement. They also validated in their decisions and briefs that Emily was not trying to gain a competitive advantage. It is also important that Emily's name has been cleared when it comes to performance enhancement.

"Everyone who might go into the testing program needs to be vigilant all the time," Richardson continued. "Even if you are out-of-season with a physical ailment for a few days, you have to adhere to the procedures that USADA and WADA make clear to everyone. That is an important lesson."

Brunemann won the NCAA title in the women's 1650-yard freestyle in 2008, and has earned four NCAA All-American certificates. The loss definitely hurts Michigan's chances of a return to the top 10 this year after taking ninth with 130 points last year.

Here is the full press release from Jacobs:

The American Arbitration Association today issued its decision suspending Emily Brunemann from competition from September 26, 2008 through March 25, 2009 for her inadvertent use of a banned diuretic, thereby allowing her to complete her NCAA eligibility. In its decision, the AAA Panel found that:
-Emily Brunemann accepted responsibility for her one-time mistake in taking what she thought at the time was a laxative but that turned out to be a banned diuretic;

-The substance that Emily Brunemann mistakenly took on this one occasion did not and could not have enhanced her performance, and did not and could not have masked the use of any other prohibited substances;

-Emily Brunemann did not intend to cheat or enhance her sport performance; and

-The positive test occurred out of competition and during the off-season.

In responding to the CAS decision, Emily Brunemann stated as follows:

"I am happy that the Arbitration Panel accepted my explanation and believed me when I told them that I never have and never will use performance enhancing drugs. I look forward to finishing my collegiate swimming career and proving that my first place finishes at the 2008 NCAA Championships and at the 2008 United States National Championships were based on my hard work and dedication. I want to apologize to Michigan, my coaches and team for the effects of this situation. This has been difficult and I would like to thank you for the understanding and support you have shown these past several months. I look forward to again representing the University of Michigan, and will prepare with the utmost determination."

The full arbitration decision is expected to be posted on USADA's website within the next few days.

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