Andre Russell to face panel in wake of doping violation

After being found guilty of violating the anti-doping whereabouts rule by missing three doping tests within a 12-month period, Andre Russell, the West Indian all-rounder, is due to face a preliminary hearing before an independent disciplinary panel on Wednesday (July 20), Patrick Foster, his lawyer confirmed.

"The matter is set for hearing next week Wednesday at 10am," Foster told Reuters over the telephone on Friday (July 15). "The hearing will deal with preliminary matters, but evidence will begin on another date."
Earlier in March, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) found Russell guilty of missing three dope tests which is equivalent to a failed drug test, according to the doping laws. The JADCO had appointed a panel to hear Russell's case.
"We received notification of Russell's violation about two weeks ago and I've appointed a panel to hear his case," Kent Pantry, JADCO's independent disciplinary panel chairman, was quoted as saying by Reuters back then.
As per the anti-doping commission rules, athletes must make their whereabouts known to local anti-doping agencies in order to conduct the tests.
Russell, who is currently playing for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League, will face a two-year ban if found guilty of the offence, despite not being provisionally suspended.