Maksim Rybin given three-month suspension for doping

29 Jun 2012 | Davide Tuniz

SKA St. Petersburg forward will miss just two KHL games.

The Disciplinary Committee of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency issued the verdict in the case of SKA St. Petersburg forward Maksim Rybin, found positive at stimulant sibutramine after a test in early February during KHL regular season. Ryabin was suspended for three months from June 9.
It means that Ryabin missed only two games of the regular season 2012/13 - on September 6 against Avangard Omsk and September 8 against Barys Astana.

Agency justified the decision due to the fact that Rybin explained how the substance got into his body, and proved that it was not designed to improve athletic performance. According to the RUSADA, "the motives of the drug were clearly justified." Normally sibutramine is used for the treatment of obesity.

SKA General Manager Aleksei Kasatonov commented: "Strictly speaking, it is difficult to comment. The decision was made, and we agree with it. Moreover, we do thank the league for the fact that disqualification is not very long. I'm glad that the league has taken into account all the circumstances and went to meet the club and the player. Ryabin will be punished - he will not receive salary for all the time of disqualification. Maksim understood what he did, he is a professional hockey player and will pay more attention to the advice of our doctor. body. I am sure this will not happen again."