Gatlin trapped in dope net

8220;I cannot account for these results, because I have never knowingly used any banned substance or authorised anyone else to administer such a substance to me.8221;

The 24-year-old Gatlin, whose B sample test in July also produced an unusually high level of testosterone, faces a lifetime ban from the sport. The positive test is the second by a major US athlete involving testosterone to be announced in recent days.

Tour de France winner Floyd Landis8217;s team announced earlier this week that he had tested positive for the male sex hormone. Landis, who has also denied doping, is awaiting his B sample result, which may come out on Monday. Gatlin, who trains under coach Trevor Graham, was banned for two years after testing positive for an amphetamine in 2001 before joining Graham but he was given early reinstatement by the International Association of Athletics Federations IAAF when it was proved that the drug was contained in prescription medication he had taken for 10 years to treat a form of attention deficit disorder.

Gatlin, who tied Asafa Powell8217;s 100 metres world record of 9.77 seconds, has not run since then, saying he had a leg injury.

8220;Since learning of the positive test, I have been doing everything in my power to find out what caused this to happen,8221; Gatlin said in his statement. 8220;I have been and will continue to cooperate fully with USADA as it moves forward with the process it has initiated and hope that when all the facts are revealed it will be determined that I have done nothing wrong.8221;

Top US athletics official Craig Masback said: 8220;USA Track 038; Field is gravely concerned that Justin Gatlin has tested positive for banned substances.

8220;Justin has been one of the most visible spokespersons for winning with integrity in the sport of track and field, and throughout his career he has made clear his willingness to take responsibility for his actions,8221; Masback said in a statement.

Myler said Gatlin would next week submit comments to USADA8217;s Anti-Doping Review Board, which would decide if there was enough evidence to proceed against the athlete.

Gatlin8217;s coach Graham said that the answer was simple: his athlete was set up. 8220;The fact is that someone sabotaged my athlete, and we know exactly who it is already,8221; Graham said. 8220;Justin did not take a banned substance.8221;

Some might consider Graham8217;s defence of his athlete suspect. He was the whistle-blower who launched the Balco criminal steroid investigation, but he has coached several athletes tainted by drugs, including disgraced sprinter Tim Montgomery.