Singh, US PGA Tour settle deer-antler doping dispute

Three-time major champion Vijay Singh of Fiji and the US PGA Tour announced Tuesday they have reached a settlement deal over a 2013 doping dispute over deer-antler spray.

The issue began with comments Singh made five years ago to Sports Illustrated for a story about steroid alternatives, the Fijian saying he had used deer antler spray.

The PGA Tour suspended Singh after finding the spray contained IGF-1, a banned substance under the tour's anti-doping rules.

Singh appealed the 90-day suspension and while the case was considered, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ruled it no longer considered using the spray a doping violation unless there was a failed drug test involved.

That was not the case in Singh's situation so the ban was revoked.

Singh, however, sued the tour later in 2013, saying he was treated unfairly in how the doping violation was handled, causing unfair harm to his reputation. It was this suit that was settled Tuesday.

"The PGA TOUR and Vijay Singh are pleased to announce that we have resolved our prior dispute," the statement said.

"The settlement reflects our mutual commitment to look to the future as we put this matter behind us. The PGA TOUR fully supports Vijay as he continues to be a true champion on the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions.

"The PGA Tour recognizes that Vijay is one of the hardest working golfers ever to play the game and does not believe that he intended to gain an unfair advantage over his fellow competitors in this matter.

"Vijay fully supports the PGA Tour's Anti-Doping Program and all efforts to protect the integrity of the game that he loves so much. The parties will make no statement concerning the settlement terms resolving this matter."