Wayne Odesnik: Ban for His Human Growth Hormone Use Cut in Half

December 22nd, 2010—American tennis player Wayne Odesnik was given a two year ban and the results, rankings and prize money were forfeited from all the competitions in which he participated since December 29th, 2009 after he was caught with Human Growth Hormone.

However, it was announced that the International Tennis Federation deferred the last 12 months of the ban, thereby cutting the suspension in half.

After being caught at the airport in Australia, he pleaded guilty for purchasing and possessing HGH to treat an injury but was never found guilty for actually using the substance.

The ban was lifted because Odesnik was helpful to—and cooperative with—the ITF’s anti-doping program. The former world No. 114 is allowed to compete again beginning December 29th, 2010.

It was not announced about the manner in which he helped.

To find out more history and fellow players' thoughts about the incident, click here.

Excerpt: "The 24-year-old Odesnik admits he tried to import Human Growth Hormone into Australia in January. Odesnik was found guilty of possessing eight vials containing six mg of HGH and has been suspended from professional tennis for two years, the International Tennis Federation announced today.

Odesnik will be eligible to return to tournament tennis on December 29th, 2011."

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