Veronica Campbell-Brown denies knowingly taking drug

Montego Bay (Jamaica), June 19 (IANS/CMC) Olympic and World Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown has denied knowingly taking a banned substance Lasix, which also goes by the name Furosemide.

Brown's first public reaction came in the form of a statement released by her On Track Management (OTM) group following reports that she has tested positive for the banned drug.

The OTM statement says Brown is determined to clear her name and included a public apology to her family, supporters and sponsors for "any embarrassment".

"Her faith which rests not in device or creed will see her through this dark period," said the OTM Tuesday.

"Due to her determination to vigorously pursue the clearing of her name, she will desist from being vocal, suffice it to say, while not accepting guilt of willfully taking a banned substance, she wholeheartedly apologises to her family, Jamaica, her sponsors, the governing body, the world athletics family, her supporters, as well as those she worked with in various non-athletic causes for any embarrassment and or hurt this devastating news has caused."

OTM's release follows a statement from the Jamaica Athletics Administration Association (JAAA) Tuesday afternoon confirming that the Jamaican sprinter was suspended from competition pending the findings of a disciplinary panel that will hear her case.

"We also wish to point out that Mrs. Veronica Campbell-Brown voluntarily withdrew herself from competition and accepted the provisional suspension," the JAAA release said.

The JAAA added that the matter is being handled according to IAAF rules and further statements will be made at the outcome of the case.

Brown is expected to miss the 14th IAAF World Championship in Moscow in August.

--IANS/CMC

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