According to a reliable source, Justin Brownlee, Barangay Ginebra’s lone import and a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas, has reportedly tested positive again for a banned recreational substance. If confirmed, such a finding would put yet another stamp of suspension on the already troubled basketball star.
The news came after another bitter blow to Ginebra, their recent heartbreaking Game 7 loss to TNT Tropang Giga in the PBA Finals.
The source further disclosed that both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have already been notified of Brownlee’s recent test results, with an official announcement expected soon.
So far, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is yet to make pronouncements on the matter.
If that is true, this would be Brownlee’s second bout that could be considered a drug failure. In October 2023, he was called to give a sample after an official game where he helped Gilas Pilipinas defeat Jordan in the Asian Games basketball final and tested positive for Carboxy-THC. That evidence earned him a three-month suspension.
Despite little detail so far about the most recent case, sources indicate he would be in line for a suspension not much greater than before, as the substance is not considered performance-enhancing by WADA.
Until the official announcement is made, it remains uncertain whether the banned substance in his sample came from a supplement, pain medication, or a recreational drug.
