Mayweather taking banned IV a ‘false suggestion’–USADA

Floyd Mayweather Jr. AP FILE PHOTO

The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has disproved reports pointing pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. illegally took intravenous infusions ahead of his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao.

In a statement posted on its website, USADA said the SB Nation report, which Inquirer.net and other online media carried, was a “false suggestion.”

READ: Mayweather used banned IV on eve of fight with Pacquiao

“Whether due to a genuine misunderstanding of the facts or an intentional desire to mislead, numerous unfounded and false accusations have been leveled against USADA in recent on-line articles.  Since our inception, USADA’s sole mission has been to protect clean sport,” USADA posted on its website. “As such, it is unfortunate and extremely disappointing to have to address articles riddled with significant inaccuracies and misrepresentations based on unsubstantiated rumors as well as anonymous or self-interested sources that have recklessly called our integrity into question.  It is simply absurd to suggest that we would ever compromise our integrity for any sport or athlete.”

“Although the articles in question contain a multitude of errors, all of which will be addressed at the appropriate time, we believe it is important to immediately correct the record regarding the false suggestion that Floyd Mayweather violated the rules by receiving an IV infusion of saline and vitamins.”

As per ESPN, Mayweather received 250 milliliters of saline and multivitamins and a 500-milliliter mixture of saline and Vitamin C through intravenous procedures.

USADA said through the statement it granted Mayweather a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for an IV solution of saline and vitamins prior to his fight against Pacquiao which the Nevada State Athletic Commission reported.

Mayweather then took “the next step” of applying for a TUE after the IV infusion to remain compliant with the USADA, which follows the standards of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“Although Mr. Mayweather’s application was not approved until after his fight with Mr. Pacquiao and all tests results were reported, Mr. Mayweather did disclose the infusion to USADA in advance of the IV being administered to him.  Furthermore, once the TUE was granted, the NSAC and Mr. Pacquiao were immediately notified even though the practice is not prohibited under NSAC rules,” USADA said. CDG