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The U.S. Olympic Committee banned track coach Trevor Graham from its training centers and training sites Thursday. Chairman Peter Ueberroth made the announcement in a conference call and said the ban was "permanent."
"If there's something that convinces us to change our position, we'll look at it at a future time," he said.
Graham coaches sprinter Justin Gatlin, who recently disclosed a positive test for testosterone or other steroids. The coach also has been involved with at least a half-dozen athletes who have received drug suspensions.
Graham, who answered the door Thursday at his house in Raleigh, N.C., refused to comment on the ban.
Ueberroth said the extraordinary action was "based on the unusual number of athletes he has coached who have been convicted of doping offenses."
The USOC made no announcement about barring Graham from future competitions, which wouldn't be as easy as restricting access to training centers.
"There is a process spelled out. There are due rights for people to participate," CEO Jim Scherr said. "We'll follow those processes."
Ueberroth also announced the USOC will be issuing next week a "call to action, in capital letters," asking for greater support and research on doping issues from the federal government and from other sports entities in America.
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2270551
"If there's something that convinces us to change our position, we'll look at it at a future time," he said.
Graham coaches sprinter Justin Gatlin, who recently disclosed a positive test for testosterone or other steroids. The coach also has been involved with at least a half-dozen athletes who have received drug suspensions.
Graham, who answered the door Thursday at his house in Raleigh, N.C., refused to comment on the ban.
Ueberroth said the extraordinary action was "based on the unusual number of athletes he has coached who have been convicted of doping offenses."
The USOC made no announcement about barring Graham from future competitions, which wouldn't be as easy as restricting access to training centers.
"There is a process spelled out. There are due rights for people to participate," CEO Jim Scherr said. "We'll follow those processes."
Ueberroth also announced the USOC will be issuing next week a "call to action, in capital letters," asking for greater support and research on doping issues from the federal government and from other sports entities in America.
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2270551