Kentucky’s Jasper Johnson Receives 1‑Month Ban After Positive Anti‑Doping Test at FIBA U19
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – July 7, 2025 — Kentucky Wildcats freshman guard Jasper Johnson has been provisionally suspended for one month by FIBA following a positive result for a banned diuretic during the FIBA U19 World Cup, it was announced today.
🚨 The INFRACTION
According to FIBA’s official release, Johnson tested positive after the Team USA–France group-stage match on June 30. The substance detected was hydrochlorothiazide, a prohibited diuretic commonly used as a masking agent. The sample was collected and analyzed under strict anti‑doping protocols in line with the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) code.
OFFICIAL SANCTION
FIBA’s Disciplinary Commission has provisionally suspended Johnson for one month, effective July 1. The suspension precludes him from playing in any official FIBA‑sanctioned games. The commission clarified that the ban was not a result of performance‑enhancing drugs, but rather due to the presence of a masking agent. Johnson now has the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
IMPACT ON TEAM USA
Johnson’s suspension rules him out for the remainder of the U19 World Cup. The United States is currently in the quarterfinals and will proceed without their freshman guard. USA Basketball confirmed it will continue with eight-man rotation, keeping focus on their remaining talent to preserve championship aspirations.
PLAYER RESPONSE
Through his legal representatives, Johnson expressed “deep regret” and stated it was an “unintentional ingestion” of a banned substance. The statement emphasized his “full cooperation” in the investigation. Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope, added that the program supports Jasper in pursuing due process and will monitor the appeal closely.
NEXT STEPS
Under FIBA regulations, the one-month provisional ban will be reassessed once the athlete’s B-sample is evaluated. If the B-sample confirms the presence of the substance and the commission upholds the preliminary ruling, the one-month period may be confirmed or extended. Any final resolution is expected by early August.
WIDER CONTEXT
This marks the first anti‑doping case involving a Division I athlete at the U19 World Cup level—highlighting ongoing scrutiny in international competitions. While masking agents don’t necessarily enhance performance, FIBA continues to enforce strict regulations to maintain fairness.