FIBA suspends Kiefer Ravena for doping violation

PBA rookie Kiefer Ravena was suspended from playing for FIBA for 18 months after testing positive for three prohibited substances.

The Ilonggo player of NLEX Road Warriors violated the international organization’s anti-doping rule, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio told a news conference Monday at the TV5 media center.

According to Panlilio, the FIBA found 4-methylhexan-2-amine (methylhexaneamine), 1,3-dimethylbutylamine (DMBA) and higenamine in Ravena’s test samples.





The suspension started on Feb. 25 yet and will last up until Aug. 24 next year, the SBP president said.

FIBA informed Ravena of the “positive” test result on March 19 and told him of his right to request for analysis of his B Sample, which he did on March 29. But the second test had the same result.

“Sample A and Sample B from the same urine sample taken on Mr. Ravena tested positive from three ingredients in the WADA List of Prohibited Substances,” Panlilio said.

“Consequently, FIBA has rendered a decision that declares Mr. Ravena ineligible to play for 18 months,” he added. “We are communicating with FIBA seeking clarification in connection with Mr. Ravena’s playing for the NLEX PBA team.”

Ravena apologized, claiming he was clueless that the pre-workout drink he took before Gilas Pilipinas’ game against Japan at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Feb. 25 contained such substances.

The 24-year-old said he usually takes the pre-workout drink “C4,” which can be bought in supplement retailers in Manila.





Prior to a training camp in Australia, Ravena ran out of C4 and found a replacement drink called “DUST,” which was similar to C4.

“I will take full responsibility for my actions. I took this drink without analyzing what its ingredients are,” he said. “I am a responsible man. I will face the consequences no matter how painful and life-changing they may be.”

“I was informed by the retailer that DUST is just the same as C4. My only mistake was I did not inform FIBA before the testing that I took DUST. There was no intention for me to cheat,” he added.

Ravena last suited up for Gilas in the second window of the World Cup Asian qualifiers, where he averaged 9.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists in 22 minutes of play. The national team ended up losing to Australia in Melbourne before beating Japan at home.

FIBA is implementing a strict protocol with regard to doping, cracking down on any substance that can enhance the performance of an athlete. Any athlete who is taking medication should fully disclose it prior to testing.

Ravena was curiously pulled out from playing for the Visayas All-Stars team during the Visayas leg of the 2018 PBA All-Star Week on Sunday at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, speaking to the press before the start of Visayas’ match with Smart Gilas All-Stars, confirmed the sudden pullout but refused to comment further.

“Pinatawag ng SBP si Kiefer sa Manila,” Marcial said. “Hindi ako pwede magsalita. Maselan iyon.”

Ravena is in the middle of an impressive rookie season after he was made the No. 2 pick in the last PBA Draft by NLEX, next to San Miguel draftee Christian Standhardinger, and is favored to clinch the PBA Rookie of the Year award./PN