GENEVA (AP) — The World Anti-Doping Agency has yet to decide whether to appeal the decision to exonerate U.S. Open champion Jannik Sinner of blame for his positive steroid tests, and has another three weeks to do so.
WADA shared details of the appeal deadline with The Associated Press on Tuesday showing that the World Anti-Doping Code — the global set of rules for international sports — gives the Montreal-based agency at least until the end of September to file an appeal in the Sinner case.
WADA and Nado Italia, Italy’s anti-doping agency, are the only two agencies that could challenge the decision by an independent tribunal announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on Aug. 20.
While the doping rules state that any other party with a right to appeal — such as Nado Italia — has 21 days to do so, WADA then gets another 21 days on top of that before its own window closes.
Tuesday marks the 21st day since the ruling by a three-judge panel in London was announced, but Nado Italia has yet to file an appeal.
However, it was unclear whether the initial 21-day deadline expired Tuesday, since that window opens only after all the parties receive the verdict and supporting documents, which can be at least a few days or more after the announcement, according to the tennis integrity agency.
“The deadline for filing an appeal to the CAS will be 21 days from the date of receipt of the reasoned decision in question by the appealing party,” the tennis integrity agency rulebook says.
Then WADA has another 21 days to file an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Sinner tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March but ultimately was not banned because the ITIA determined he was not to blame. Sinner's accepted explanation was that the banned performance-enhancer entered his system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist, who used a spray containing the steroid to treat their own cut finger.
The doping case was kept secret until last month’s announcement and the top-ranked Sinner went on to beat Taylor Fritz in the U.S. Open final on Sunday.
An appeal could jeopardize his U.S. Open title but Sinner and his legal team have provided detailed evidence that persuaded the ITIA and the tribunal judges that his explanation was credible.
Dampf reported from Rome.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Jannik Sinner, of Italy, holds the championship trophy after defeating Taylor Fritz, of the United States, in the men's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Jannik Sinner, of Italy, returns a shot to Taylor Fritz, of the United States, during the men's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Jannik Sinner, of Italy, holds up the championship trophy after defeating Taylor Fritz, of the United States, in the men's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers had hoped that Bryce Young would put an end to their ever-churning quarterback carousel when they selected him No. 1 overall last year.
But two games into his second season, Young has been benched and the Panthers are back to another journeyman quarterback. The 36-year-old Andy Dalton will take over the offense on Sunday when the Panthers (0-2) visit the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Dalton said with a big smile. “When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited about what’s ahead. It’s a tough situation. I’ve been on both sides of it and it’s hard for everybody. But for me, I’m looking forward to it.”
This may be Dalton's wish, but it wasn't the Panthers'.
They wanted — in fact, needed — Young to succeed after giving up four draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to move up eight spots in the draft to get him. But Young is 2-16 as an NFL starter with more interceptions than touchdowns and the fan base has grown irritable and apathetic following the constant losing.
No team has a worse record (31-70) than the Panthers since 2018.
It's no coincidence Carolina's struggles began shortly after shoulder and ankle injuries caught up with franchise quarterback Cam Newton in 2016. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2017, but lost in the first round.
They haven't been back since.
And the quarterback issue has been an issue ever since.
The Panthers have tried a number of options along the way, including several reclamation projects.
They signed free-agent Teddy Bridgewater and traded for former top draft picks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Ten different quarterbacks have started for the Panthers since 2018, including Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Will Grier and P.J. Walker.
Dalton, now 36, started a game last year for Carolina as an injury replacement for Young.
The 14-year NFL veteran completed 34 of 58 pass attempts for 361 yards and two touchdowns, but the Panthers lost 37-27 at Seattle. Still, it was the best the offense looked all season.
Now Dalton gets another shot, this time in an offense under new head coach and play caller Dave Canales.
“I think the way we build things and the way we do things if you can get the ball out of your hands and make quick decisions and play with timing and accuracy and anticipation, all that kind of stuff," Dalton said. “There’s a lot of that in this offense.”
Canales said he benched the struggling Young because he felt Dalton “gives us the best chance to win" after Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Frankly, the bar isn't all that high.
The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 this season, including 53-3 in the first half of two games. Dalton is clearly viewed as a stopgap until the Panthers figure out what to do next at the quarterback position.
“After I watched the film, I had a thought in mind. We talked and I had to make the decision that was best for the team,″ Canales said. “I certainly take it personal. This is about building a culture, this is about building a football team that plays to a certain style, and that’s my main focus."
He added, “And above all, it’s to help the Panthers to win. So that’s what the decision was about."
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce didn’t know about the Panthers QB change on Monday until he was told by reporters.
“A veteran quarterback," Pierce said of Dalton. “We just had some meetings, but hmmm, I’ve got to go back to the drawing boards now.”
Dalton was all smiles on Monday.
“I think at this point in my career, I’m just thankful for an opportunity. I didn’t know if I was going to get it again. So, I’m fired up, I’m pumped to get a chance to do what I’ve done my whole career,” Dalton said. “I’ve been in this position before and I am able to have conversations and I think just the experience I’ve had in this league for a long time resonates with a lot of people, when I’m able to say certain things.”
AP Sports Writer Mark Anderson in Las Vegas contributed to this report.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
FILE - Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks in an NFL football game, Sept. 24, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/ John Froschauer, File)
