Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee clears his doping controversy from the Asian Games with the PBA Motoclub in their latest vlog.

Justin Brownlee clears the air from his failed doping test after the Asian Games. Photo (c) Paolo del Rosario/One Sports

Not even a week passed since the Gilas Pilipinas won the historic gold medal in the 19th Asian Games last year against Jordan when Justin Brownlee had to deal with a controversy after a failed doping test.

Brownlee tested positive in using carboxy-THC, a substance linked to cannabis use. FIBA issued him a Notice of Charge with a three-month suspension, leading JB to be shelved and miss the PBA’s Commissioner’s Cup with Brgy. Ginebra.

In the latest YouTube vlog of the PBA Motoclub, Brownlee got real regarding the sensitive issue.

According to the Gilas Pilipinas stalwart, he took the substance in the U.S. where it was legal for medicinal use. Brownlee was rehabilitating for his bone spurs at that time, and the substance he took was part of his doctor’s prescription.

“During the competition, you know certain things are not are not allowed. And during the competition, I didn’t do anything that was, you know, prohibited, or not allowed. But before the competition, after the surgery, I took you know, edibles and stuff, like maybe a few times a day, just like for pain, the being able to sleep well. I don’t really like taking a lot of pain meds,” said Brownlee.

“So it was medicinal?” asked Ginebra legend and former PBA MVP Jayjay Helterbrand.

“Yeah, I had all my paperwork to prove that as well. But unfortunately, it was still in my system. But during the competition, I didn’t take any of you know, TAC (Total Active Cannabinoids) or anything that they caught,” answered Brownlee.

Now, all’s well that ends well for Brownlee, who has returned to action for Gilas Pilipinas and is currently playing for Pelita Jaya in the Indonesian Basketball League.