The GOAT in drug mess, again?

LOOKS like the most loved and admired “foreignoy”( coined by a popular variety TV show, referring to expats naturalized and living in the country) PBA import in Justine “Noypi” Brownlee is again on the limelight after tested positive following a recreational drug test recently conducted by world governing body FIBA.

The said drug test were made on the 30-year old Brownlee two days after the conclusion of Game-7 of the Governor’s Cup, wherein Tropang Giga TNT defeated the Brownlee-led Barangay Ginebra for the championship.

Prior to this, Brownlee had voluntarily went on a self imposed three-month suspension after likewise tested positive a month later as the California-born player led Gilas-Pilipinas ended its 61-year gold medal drought in the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, beating the host 77-76 in semifinal enroute to finals and a gold medal two years ago.

Though Brownlee tested positive for substance found in cannabis, more popularly known marijuana, but the said substance an extract ingredient medically prescribe by his physician as pain-killer medication after undergoing an operation of his tendon bone and since the substance doesn’t constitute as ban unlike that of anabolic steroids, which is regarded as enhancing performance drug.

Brownlee might have requested the same medication from his doctor, who perviously prescribed the said pain-killer, after he broke his right thumb in Game-5 following a mad scramble for possesion. It was confirmed by attending physician indeed broken, he was taken out of the game and headed to nearby hospital for treatment.

Once again, Brownlee’s fate whether he will able to play for national team in the coming FIBA Asia Cup, lays in the hands of the world body as the 6-8 Ginkings’ resident import went back to the US for further medical treatment, at same time, awaits the verdict.

Despite of these, Ginebra and Gilas head mentor Tim Cone, Brownless will be able to rejoin the team in time for the preparations and training back in the country before heading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the tournament proper slated from Aug.4 to 18. and hopefully on time for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualification in September. Qatar is hosting the next FIBA World Cup in 2027.

In the meantime, my special congratulation to a fine young lady in Alexandra Eala, who made the country at its proudest moment after making a historic semifinals appearance in the just concluded Miami Open, wherein the 19-year old tennister defeated three top-seed and former grandslam champion players on her way to semis.

Eala, who showed toughness and grace in the face of a more experienced and former granslam winner Jessica Pegula, who went on winning and ended the Filipina’s spirited run 7-6, 5-7, 6-3. Though the loss, marked another historic achievement for Philippine sports in general. Being the first-ever Filipina to reach a final four stage in one of major tournament.

With her amazing campaign, not only rewarded herself.by rising her ATP women’s world ranking from 140 climbing into top 50 elite group.Indeed a huge leap. Aside from raising her world rating, Eala will be coming home a quarter-million dollar richer she earned from sponsorship, product endorsement and ATP Prize pot. It is estimated a total of P18.8 million pesos.