Forbes hearing today

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Simone Forbes, the former national senior team netball captain, is set to face a hearing today with the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO).

The 29-year-old Forbes, who mostly plays the goal attack role, returned an adverse analytical finding during an out-of-competition drug test last month.

The substance is reported to be clomiphene, a drug listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency 2011 list of banned substances under Section Four - 'Hormone Antagonists and Modulators'.

Clomiphene, also known by its chemical name 'clomid', is a common selective receptor modulator that is used quite frequently by steroid users. While commonly used for this purpose, the substance also has valuable medical purposes as well. It is commonly prescribed as a means to correct fertility issues and is readily available.

decision

At today's hearing with JADCO, it is anticipated that a decision will be made regarding the finding and whether Forbes will face any penalties.

If there are penalties, it could affect her participation in the series against England, which begins today, as well as the World Netball Championships (WNC), which will take place this summer in Singapore.

Forbes, who also represents Waulgrovians in the Berger Paints Super League competition, has so far participated in two WNCs for Jamaica - in 2003 and 2007.

She was also Jamaica's flag-bearer at last year's Commonwealth Games, which was held in India in October.

Forbes