American sprinter Gay's former coach banned over administration of drugs to athlete

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has reportedly banned Jon Drummond, American sprinter Tyson Gay's former coach, for eight years over, possession, trafficking and administration of banned drugs to an athlete he coached.

The ban has been applied from 17 December onwards, which was also the date of the decision. Earlier this year, American former 100-metre and 200-metre world champion Gay was suspended for a year after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid.

Gay's penalty was reduced because he provided information that led to USADA's case against Drummond, The BBC reported.

Former sprinter Drummond helped the United States bag gold in the 4x100-metre relay at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

USADA chief executive Travis Tygart said that coaches have an inherent responsibility to protect athletes and not take advantage of them, but to ensure that the players receive the support, training and advice they need to win fairly and in accordance with the rules.

Drummond's ban prohibits the 46-year-old from coaching, training or advising athletes and he is also not allowed to participate or coach at any event sanctioned by USA Track and Field or the sport's global governing body the IAAF, the report added.