One of the best in Penn State wrestling history is reportedly facing a lengthy suspension due to a failed drug test.
Pat Mineo of The Wrestling Room reported Friday afternoon that Aaron Brooks “has failed a USADA test for a recently banned substance and is allegedly facing a 1-2 year suspension.”
“This would allow him to at least return for LA2028,” Mineo noted, “where he plans to compete at 97kg.”
Brooks, a four-time national champion at Penn State who took Bronze at the Paris Olympics this past summer, issued a statement on the matter.
Although he didn’t confirm the report full report, the note did imply that there’s truth to it.
WHAT BROOKS WROTE
Photo by Penn State Wrestling: Aaron Brooks
Here’s what Brooks wrote in his statement, posted to Twitter.
“I’ve been dealing with some major medical issues which is why I haven’t competed this year. To the next and upcoming generation, always be mindful of what you put in your body. Ignorance kills and even something that seems innocent at your local grocery store can cause consequences. I’ll be back soon.
1 Peter 2:23.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.1 Peter 2:23 reads: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
A testing issue last spring briefly put Brooks’ chances to compete for Team USA at the Olympics in jeopardy, but the issue ended up being resolved.
A BAD WEEK
Photo by Penn State Athletics: Carter Starocci
Penn State wrestling hasn’t had many bad weeks under Cael Sanderson, as evidenced by the fact that the program has won 12 of the past 14 national titles.
This would be one of them.
Before the Brooks news broke, the Daily Collegian ran a lengthy article which detailed multiple misconduct accusations against Brooks’ former teammate, Carter Starocci.
This is a developing story, and Nittany Sports Now will have more information once it becomes available.
