American tennis player Wayne Odesnik handed 2-year doping ban by ITF

Tennis player Odesnik gets 2-year doping ban

LONDON — The International Tennis Federation says American player Wayne Odesnik has been banned for two years for doping.

Odesnik pleaded guilty in March to importing human growth hormone into Australia, but never tested positive for the drug.

The ITF says it suspended Odesnik for possessing a prohibited substance “without a therapeutic use exemption.” His ban will start from Dec. 29, 2009.

The 24-year-old Odesnik was stopped by customs officers on Jan. 2 when he arrived in Australia ahead of the Brisbane International, a warmup for the Australian Open.

Eight vials, each containing 6 milligrams of the performance-enhancing substance, were found in his baggage.