|
Washington,
DC - In another huge blow to the sports world, Special Olympics
superstar Rupert "Jo-Jo" Gimbal, tested
positive for Sweettarts™, just weeks after competing a
world record performance at the Friendship Games in Europe.
"We are sorry to report that Jo-Jo tested
positive for a banned substance and we have no choice but
to strip him of his medals and his 'Best Buddy' award,"
Olympics Director Beth Goodall said Friday.
Special Olympics judges were first alerted
to the possibility of doping violations when several wrappers
of the tangy candy Sweettarts were found littered throughout
his hotel room. When Gimbal forgot to wear his pants during
the competition, authorities checked the pockets and found
more wrappers, including nearly a dozen packages of Smarties™—another
banned substance.
"I just don't believe the allegations,"
trainer Keith Cooper said. "I've worked with Jo-Jo for
so many years. He's everyone's helpful little buddy, he's
not a cheater."
Others disagreed, claiming that Jo-Jo's mood
swings and temper tantrums were well known among the competitors
and warning signs were ignored for years.
"I saw him outside the arena one day
snorting Pixie Stix like there was no tomorrow," said
one fan who asked to remain anonymous. " I regret not
saying anything at the time but I just thought he was a just
a fat kid waiting around for autographs. I didn't know he
was a superstar."
Special Olympics Public Relations Director
Susan Madson is optimistic this was a one time thing and doesn't
involve other athletes, although most of the other competitors
are remaining tight-tipped about the charges.
"We feel at this time Jo-Jo acted alone
but we are conducting a thorough investigation," Madson
said. "We will know for sure after getting statements
from the other athletes but this will take some time.
Obviously they're a little hard to read."
|
|
Above:
Special Olympics superstar Rupert "Jo-Jo" Gimbal
was stripped of his medals after he tested postive for Sweettarts.
SEND THIS ARTICLE TO A FRIEND!
|
|
