Trump signs law that could lead to criminal charges in sports doping schemes, including hockey

A new law signed by U.S. President Donald Trump this week gives American authorities sweeping powers that could lead to criminal charges for those involved in doping schemes at international sports events. The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, named for the Russian whistleblower who exposed doping schemes involving Russian athletes participating at international competitions, opens up the possibility of fines up to $1 million and prison sentences up to 10 years for doping conspirators at events involving US athletes, broadcasters and sponsors. That includes the sport of Ice Hockey.

Several reports state the law is not aimed at athletes, but rather conspirators in schemes that would provide performance-enhancing drugs to athletes involved in sports like hockey. However, it's unclear whether an athlete could end up facing criminal charges if were caught up in the scheme. According to TSN's Rick Westhead, athletes can be charged under the new Act, although other sources dispute that. It's also not exactly clear as to whether just U.S. athletes would be impact, or any athletes that take part in events involved American athletes, broadcasters and sponsors.

“The Act imposes criminal sanctions on certain persons involved in international doping fraud conspiracies and provides restitution for victims of such conspiracies,” President Trump said in a statement. “Section 6 of the Act requires certain executive agencies, including the Department of Justice, to share information with the United States Anti-Doping Agency ‘with regard to any investigation related to a potential violation of section 3 of this Act'"

The World Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees testing at the Olympic games, is not a fan of the new law. It believes the bill gives the U.S. jurisdiction on doping offenses that occur outside its borders, encroaching on the territory and authority that is supposed to belong to WADA.

“Further, the Act could impede the capacity to benefit from whistleblowers by exposing them to possible prosecution and preventing ‘substantial assistance' deals in line with the provisions of the Code," said the Agency.

The bill has also been officially opposed by the International Olympic Committee

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