The ITF spent tremendous amounts of time and resources trying to prove I intentionally violated the anti-doping rules and the tribunal concluded I did not. You need to know that the ITF asked the tribunal to suspend me for four years — the required suspension for an intentional violation — and the tribunal rejected the ITF’s position.
The statement from the tribunal confirms that Sharapova’s use was unintentional, but that this was “no excuse” for not being aware of the drug’s recent prohibition. “She does bear sole responsibility for the contravention, and very significant fault, in failing to take any steps to check whether the continued use of this medicine was permissible,” the statement reads.
Hold your horses everyone- about Maria- I don’t have all the facts, I hope it’s an honest mistake,stuff was legal as far as I know till 2015
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) March 7, 2016
Still stunned that nobody on Shazza team checked new list from wada, players are responsible but this is big time oversight on team as well
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 7, 2016
Maria handled the press conference with class, however all pro athletes should be well aware of what they are taking.
— Michael Russell (@MRusselltennis) March 7, 2016
