The National Anti Doping Agency of Germany (NADA Germany) has concluded the results management and disciplinary proceedings under sports law against basketball player Jason George. NADA Germany decided to sanction the athlete with a ban of two years and four months for an anti-doping rule violation (Article 2.1 of the Anti-Doping Code of the German Basketball Federation (DBB-ADC)) in accordance with Article 10.2.2 and Article 10.4 of the DBB-ADC.
The period of ineligibility began on 20 September 2024 in accordance with Article 10.13 DBB-ADC and ends at the end of 27 August 2025 (11:59 p.m.) in accordance with Article 10.13.2 DBB-ADC, considering the Provisional Suspension imposed on 28 April 2023.
All competition results achieved by Jason George in the period from 2 April 2023 (anti-doping rule violation) to 28 April 2023 (start of the Provisional Suspension) will be cancelled with all resulting consequences, including the forfeiture of medals, points and prizes, in accordance with Article 10.10 DBB-ADC.
This is a violation of Article 2.1 (Presence of Prohibited Substances). NADA Germany detected the substances Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (‘Specific Substance’, S6.A. ‘Narcotic Drugs’) and Methamphetamine (non-Specific Substance, S6.B also known as ‘Crystal Meth’) in the athlete during an in-competition test in April 2023.
NADA Germany's investigations revealed that there was no intentional offence as defined by the DBB ADC. The athlete has convincingly demonstrated to NADA when and how the substance entered their body. Finally, the athlete was very cooperative throughout the proceedings and accepted NADA Germany's decision immediately, as early as September 2024.
The other parties entitled to appeal, and particularly the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have reviewed NADA Germany's decision in the meantime and have not lodged an appeal. The decision is therefore final.
A criminal investigation initiated by NADA Germany has been discontinued by the competent Public Prosecutor's Office.
Basketball player Jason George said: ‘I would like to thank everyone involved in this process from the bottom of my heart. Although my ego was initially denied and broken, I can confirm that this incident was the greatest gift of my life. For the first time, I had the time to process unresolved situations from my life and career and thus heal long-lasting wounds.’
Dr Lars Mortsiefer, Chairman of the Board of NADA Germany, explained: ‘This procedure is a very positive example of a collaborative approach to dealing with an anti-doping rule violation. This presupposes that the athlete has been transparent since the beginning of the proceedings. He communicated openly with NADA Germany and always supported the handling of the case. We hope that we were able to help protect him as an athlete and wish Mr George all the best for the future.’