Gatlin in fresh doping mess

Controversial track and field superstar Justin Gatlin is facing a new doping probe after members of his team allegedly offered to supply performance-enhancing drugs to undercover journalists.

The American 100m sprinter is set to be investigated by the Athletics Integrity Unit after members of his entourage were said to have offered to smuggle prescription testosterone and a human-growth hormone acquired under a false name to the US.

Gatlin – who was banned for doping in 2001 and again in 2006 – was booed by spectators in August of this year after edging fan favorite Usain Bolt in the 100m World Athletics Championship. For Bolt, the reigning 100m record holder, it was the final race of his historic career.

Undercover reporters for The Telegraph in London claim they were offered the service for $250,000 (£187,000) by former Olympic gold medalist Dennis Mitchell, the 35-year-old Gatlin’s coach, and track and field agent Robert Wagner. The banned substances were allegedly to be provided by a doctor in Austria.

Gatlin’s reputation tarnished his gold medal at the London Stadium on what was meant to be Bolt’s emotional farewell to the sport in the eyes of some fans. Some even suggested he should not have been allowed to compete, given his history with performance enhancing drugs.