Independent Arbitrator Imposes Two-Year Sanction on Wrestling Athlete Aaron Brooks for Anti-Doping Rule Violation
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by USADA Communications
Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 18, 2026) – USADA announced today that an independent arbitrator has rendered a decision in the case of wrestling athlete Aaron Brooks of State College, Pa. After an evidentiary hearing on November 24, 2025, where both parties were provided a full opportunity to present their cases and witnesses to the independent arbitrator, the arbitrator—who also serves as an arbitrator in matters before the Court of Arbitration for Sport—determined that Brooks will receive a two-year sanction after testing positive for an anabolic agent during an out-of-competition drug test on April 21, 2025.
Brooks’s positive test was caused by his use of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which the arbitrator concluded was unintentional under the rules. DHEA is a non–Specified Substance in the category of Anabolic Agents and is prohibited at all times under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee National Anti-Doping Policies, and the United World Wrestling Anti-Doping Rules, all of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List.
Brooks’s two-year period of ineligibility began on June 13, 2025, the date he was provisionally suspended. In addition, Brooks has been disqualified from all competitive results on and subsequent to April 21, 2025, including forfeiture of any medals, points, and prizes.
The decision, as well as all other arbitral decisions can be found here.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as support team members such as parents, coaches, and medical professionals in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, how to file and update athlete Whereabouts, how to obtain permission to use a necessary medication, and the risks and dangers of taking supplements, as well as performance-enhancing and recreational drugs.
In addition, USADA manages a drug reference hotline, Global Drug Reference Online (GlobalDRO.com), conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as a supplement guide, a nutrition guide, a clean sport handbook, and periodic alerts and advisories.
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