Sanctions Against Johnson’s Coach, Doctor Promised

The International Amateur Athletic Federation promised today to impose sanctions against the coach and doctor who administered Ben Johnson’s steroid program.

Federation President Primo Nebiolo said once the IAAF is in possession of the report from the Canadian government inquiry into drug use by athletes, punitive action will be taken against Coach Charlie Francis and Dr. Jamie Astaphan.

The IAAF decided Tuesday to strip Johnson of his 100-meter world record set in Rome. Earlier, Johnson forfeited the gold medal he won at the Seoul Olympics after testing positive for a steroid.

Neither Francis nor Astaphan have IAAF affiliation, but Ollan Cassel, an American member of the federation’s 24-member general council, said the IAAF can impose sanctions to ensure that they are regarded as persona non grata by the track and field community.