American basketball player Justin Brownlee’s naturalization to Philippine citizenship passes at the Committee on Justice and Human Rights level in this file photo taken on November 21, 2022. Senate PRIB file photo / Voltaire F. Domingo
MANILA, Philippines — Three senators on Friday said it might be too early to form judgments on Justin Brownlee’s supposed failing of the Asian Games doping test.
The International Testing Agency on Friday announced that Brownlee, a naturalized player for the Philippines, tested for the banned Carboxy-THC which is linked to cannabis use.
Senator Francis Tolentino, in a statement, said it is better to wait for the outcome of the process, pointing out that Brownlee’s case can still be appealed.
“But personally, I don’t think Justin will do such a thing. Gilas will be stronger because of this and we still don’t know the truth surrounding this,” said Tolentino.
Similar to what Tolentino pointed out, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said he is optimistic that appropriate action will be taken to address Brownlee’s situation.
READ: Gold remains with Gilas despite Brownlee’s failed doping test, says POC
“It is crucial to remember that his doping allegations are still under investigation and have not been resolved yet. It might be too early to form any opinions or judgments until more details become available,” said Estrada in a statement.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said he can’t believe the announcement because he knows Brownlee personally, stressing that it’s “ridiculous” for the player to even think about it.
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“Will the entire Senate send to naturalize him just like that? From everything I saw — and I will say it again — at the hearing with Brownlee, he was one person that I was so proud of granting naturalization through an act of Congress. I also can’t believe it because I also know the guy personally, I’m not just a fan on the sidelines watching; I talk to him, I see him. It’s ridiculous for him to even think about it,” said Villanueva in a separate statement.
Villanueva then said that it is not the first time that this happened in the history of sports, but he likewise underscored that this news brought an “irreparable damage” if it was only a mistake.