Reynolds Wins a $27.3-Million Judgment
Butch Reynolds said he feels he has regained his reputation after a federal judge in Columbus, Ohio, awarded him $27.3-million Thursday in his two-year legal battle with track and field’s ruling body.
Reynolds, a former Ohio State runner and the world record-holder at 400 meters, was banned for two years by the International Amateur Athletic Federation after a meet at Monte Carlo in August, 1990. The IAAF said that Reynolds had tested positive for an anabolic steroid, a charge he denied.
U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Kinneary found that Reynolds lost $6.8 million in potential earnings while he was suspended. In addition, Reynolds was awarded $20.5 million in punitive damages.
It is doubtful, however, that he will collect.
“The IAAF has repeatedly said the judge has no jurisdiction in this case,” said Enrico Jacomini, chief of staff to IAAF President Primo Nebiolo.
The IAAF did not contest the lawsuit.
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