WADA seeks lifetime ban for Hamilton

The World Antidoping Agency (WADA) is seeking a lifetime ban for American Tyler Hamilton, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced Thursday. Hamilton had been given an eight-year sanction by the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA), but WADA appealed to CAS to have that decision overturned and the lifetime ban imposed.

Hamilton tested positive for Testosterone in an out-of-competition doping control taken before the Tour of California in February. He claimed the positive came as a result of homeopathic medicine he was taking for depression. He accepted an eight-year ban on June 11, 2009.

Since Hamilton previously served a suspension for homologous blood doping in 2004, the second offense can lead to an eight-year to lifetime ban. WADA is seeking the maximum penalty.

"The procedure will be conducted in accordance with the Code of Sports-related Arbitration and as a general rule a final decision will be rendered within four months," the CAS said.

Hamilton announced following the positive test that he would retire from the sport.