Former MTF trainer accepts USADA Sanction, MTF Responds
Earlier this week, Transworld Motocross reported that cyclist Jonathan Carter Luck had accepted a sanction from USADA after admitting to the organization that he had used Human Growth Hormone in 2013. Luck did not fail a drug test but instead came forward and admitted his guilt. Why? That’s the part that ties into motocross.
Luck, is a former motocross racer who rode and then later worked as a fitness trainer at the Millsaps Training Facility in Georgia (MTF is run by Davi Millsaps’ mother, Coleen. Davi has no connection to the facility).
Luck, who is now a student at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina, released a statement via the school that says, “I came forward, having never been tested by USADA, to shed light on a growing issue of doping in the sport of motocross and supercross. I hope that by my forthcoming we can help make sure this is not an issue for future athletes.”
That’s a big accusation, but apparently the MTF connection is not a part of this case. The Millsaps Training Facility has released its own statement explaining it had no connection to or knowledge of Carter’s use of performance enhancing drugs, and is, “100 percent committed to training programs that are free of performance enhancing drugs.” The MTF statement even includes a quote from Luck himself, saying, “Millsaps Training Facility was unaware of this incident until I came forward. I never used drugs during my time at MTF. The MTF athletes had no knowledge or involvement in my use of PEDs”.
Okay, so Luck says he came forward to shed light on PED use in motocross—but he says MTF is not involved. What riders or segments of the sport is he talking about? We’ll continue to follow this story as it develops. In the meantime, here are statements from USADA, Lees-McRae College, and Millsaps Training Facility.
USADA Release: US Cycling Athlete, Luck, Accepts Sanction for Non-Analytical Anti-Doping Rule Violation
May 13, 2015 USADA announced today that Jonathan (Carter) Luck of Harrisburg, Pa., an athlete in the sport of cycling, has accepted a 12-month sanction for his non-analytical anti-doping rule violation. Luck voluntarily disclosed information and provided physical evidence to USADA that initiated what is now an ongoing investigation into other potential anti-doping cases and has been cooperative and truthful with both USADA and law enforcement agencies as the investigation has unfolded.
Luck, 24, was sanctioned for his use, attempted use and possession of human growth hormone (“hGH”), a Prohibited Substance in the class of Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors and Related Substances, and testosterone, a Prohibited Substance in the class of Anabolic Agents. Both substances are prohibited under the USADA Protocol for Olympic and Paralympic Movement Testing and the International Cycling Union (“UCI”) Anti-Doping Rules, both of which have adopted the World Anti-Doping Code (“Code”) and the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List. Due to Luck’s voluntary admission of his anti-doping rule violations and full and truthful cooperation with USADA officials since the start of its investigation, he is eligible for a reduced sanction as allowed by the Code.
Luck’s period of ineligibility began on January 22, 2015, the date he admitted his anti-doping rule violations to USADA. In addition, Luck has been disqualified from all competitive results obtained on and subsequent to August 5, 2013, the approximate date from which he admitted to first receiving hGH and testosterone, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.
In an effort to aid athletes, as well as all support team members such as parents and coaches, in understanding the rules applicable to them, USADA provides comprehensive instruction on its website on the testing process and prohibited substances, 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, the agency manages a drug reference hotline, Drug Reference Online, conducts educational sessions with National Governing Bodies and their athletes, and proactively distributes a multitude of educational materials, such as the Prohibited List, easy-reference wallet cards, periodic newsletters, and protocol and policy reference documentation.
USADA is responsible for the testing and results management process for athletes in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, and is equally dedicated to preserving the integrity of sport through research initiatives and educational programs.
Lees-McRae College Statement: Carter Luck Accepts Doping Sanctions
Lees-McRae College is disappointed to learn of the USADA sanction against student-athlete, Carter Luck, for his use, attempted use, and possession of banned performance enhancing drugs. Luck cooperated fully with the USADA officials throughout the investigation, voluntarily disclosing information and providing physical evidence as needed.
“It is with great regret and sadness to have to address my sanction during this difficult time for my family. I have fully accepted the USADA sanction for the use of performance enhancing drugs for six weeks beginning August 1st to September 28th 2013. I am ashamed of my actions and will forever regret my poor choice. It is important to note that Lees-McRae College had absolutely no knowledge of my doping. In addition, no Lees-McRae athletes were in any way involved in my doping. I came forward, having never been tested by USADA, to shed light on a growing issue of doping in the sport of Motocross and Supercross. I hope that by my forthcoming we can help make sure this is not an issue for future athletes,” Luck stated after learning of his sanction.
Lees-McRae’s internal investigation has concluded that this was an isolated incident and does not indicate a problem within the College’s cycling program. The Lees-McRae Cycling Team coaches are committed to promoting clean competition. This sanction is an opportunity for our College to educate athletes on the dangers associated with the use of performance enhancing drugs while emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Colleen Millsaps' Statement
May 20th -- Millsaps Training Facility (MTF) is surprised and saddened by the news that Carter Luck, a former amateur rider and one-time fitness trainer intern, has admitted to the use of performance enhancing drugs. We do however commend his honesty and cooperation with law enforcement.
Carter trained at MTF from 2008-2010, until an injury at Loretta Lynn’s in 2010 ended his motocross career. Additionally, Carter was at MTF for two months during the summer of 2014 as an intern fitness trainer.
Carter has provided the following statement: "It is with great regret and sadness to have to address my sanction during this difficult time for my family. I have fully accepted the USADA sanction for the use of PEDs during the six-week period beginning August 2013. I am ashamed of my actions and will forever regret my poor choice. Millsaps Training Facility was unaware of this incident until I came forward. I never used drugs during my time at MTF. The MTF athletes had no knowledge or involvement in my use of PEDs”.
At no time was the management of MTF aware of Carter Luck’s use of performance enhancing drugs. MTF has been, and remains, 100% committed to training programs that are free of performance enhancing drugs. In addition, we routinely screen for recreational drug use and transgressors are immediately dismissed from the training program.
