Skolnitsky Fails NCAA Drug Test

January 15, 2009 • By Matt McGovern, The Breeze
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HARRISONBURG, VA- JMU senior defensive lineman J.D. Skolnitsky tested positive for a banned supplement as part of a random NCAA-ordered drug test, following JMU’s playoff game against Villanova on Dec. 6, and test results from another urine sample confirmed those results three weeks later, JMU coach Mickey Matthews said at a press conference Thursday.

As a result, the NCAA has declared Skolnitsky ineligible for the 2009 college football season.

Skolnitsky ordered a supplement online that contained the banned substance and began taking it seven to 10 days before the random test, Matthews said. Matthews and his staff were unaware that Skolnitsky had been taking it, and are withholding the name of the supplement because of privacy concerns.

“The supplement world is not regulated by the FDA,” Matthews said. “You can order something online that’s a banned substance, you can go to the grocery store — any nutrition store, any drug store — you can buy something over the counter that has [a] substance that’s banned by the NCAA.”

Skolnitsky has completed paperwork making him eligible for the NFL draft and the free agent evaluation process. He will likely continue practicing with the team in the spring and participate in JMU’s pro day, when scouts will visit Bridgeforth Stadium to evaluate players that are leaving JMU.

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3 Responses to “Skolnitsky Fails NCAA Drug Test”

Rebecca Coughlin on January 16th, 2009 11:57 am

If the substance that JD took can be purchased over the counter and/or online, obviously it is not illegal for the general public and has been approved by the FDA. What difference does it make if JD was unaware that it was illegal for football players. Was JD carefully informed that this PARTICULAR supplement was not allowed? Was there full disclosure to all the players (in WRITING) about the consequences of taking something considered illegal. I feel JD was discriminated against and will suffer possible financial and educational damages. There are so many supplements out there that all have different names…I believe that JD innocently took this product. He should have been fully informed about it IN ADVANCE it was banned by the football team or the NFL.
I feel his removal from the team is absolutely wrong and unfair. FULL DISCLOSURE, IN WRITING, should be provided to every player, so they know in advance that it can’t be taken. I know JD personally and I believe that he honestly didn’t know he was doing something wrong. He has always been big and strong, so physically, I don’t see any difference in his appearance….not to mention that he has always been an awsome football player.
I would advise JD to seek legal assistance and STRONGLY APPEAL this decision. This test is an overkill and extremely damaging to a young man that could have a great future in the NFL !!! Is baby aspirin banned by the NFL? How about Tylenol PM?
As a mom with four kids who are very athletic, I am outraged by this decision on JMU’s part. Big Mistake ! and I personally hope he challenges it somehow.
JMU = Illegal Title IX Discrimination on January 16th, 2009 4:30 pm

All JD had to do was give the supplement to one of his trainers so they could advise him of the substances it contained. This is not the first time we have heard a story about this and I would be very surprised if all of these players and all JMU athletes have not been advised of over the counter supplements. If all athletes have not recieved any guidance on over the counter supplements then shame on JMU.
It is unfortunate that his career has to end like this but he did take something illegal and he should suffer the consequences.
K. Douglas on January 16th, 2009 7:02 pm

This sucks, but let it be a lesson to all athletes - you can not be too careful with taking ANYTHING. As someone earlier mentioned - ask your trainer or coach about whatever it is. Make sure you’re in the clear.