Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article included a statement that Brian Morrell attributed his positive test to a specific energy drink which has been removed from this updated article.
Hofstra baseball player Brian Morrell has had his playing eligibility revoked by the NCAA after testing positive for L-carnitine, and he believes the substance was in his system due to consumption of an energy drink.
According to the National Institute of Health, L-carnitine supplements reduce lactate levels and heart rate and increase lipid metabolism, VO2max, oxygen consumption and L-Carnitine plasma concentrations. Some studies show that the supplement has improved performance and sped up recovery time.
“It was definitely shocking, it was something that happened completely spontaneously,” Morrell said. “There was no intention to hurt myself or the team – it was more so something that came up in my system that I wasn’t really aware of.”
Hofstra Athletics does not comment on eligibility issues, and Hofstra baseball head coach Frank Catalanotto has chosen not to comment at this time.
The NCAA has not responded to requests for comment.
Morrell has not appeared in a game since April 22 because of his eligibility being revoked. Morrell and Hofstra Athletics have filed an appeal to the NCAA, but the appeal process can take up 45 days according to Morrell.
“It’s a very tough process, how these issues occur because it’s very delayed,” Morrell said. “When I took the test, it took 2 months for it to get the results.”
Throughout the appeal process, the sixth-year graduate student has maintained that he had no intention of using any sort of performing-enhancing drug.
“I wasn’t aware of what I put in my body,” Morrell said. “If someone were taking something to really enhance their performance, it would be noticeable, and there would be results that would impact the play of the game. I wasn’t in any way, shape or form trying to enhance my performance with something I was taking. I just play the game.”
In his time off the field, Morrell explained how he’s adjusted to the situation.
“[I’m] kind of just understanding my role right now, helping other guys on my team,” Morrell said. “That’s the only way I could really cope with things. Just trying to be a team guy and really helping other guys hopefully get to a [Colonial Athletic Association] Championship.”
Morrell was batting .295 in 38 games this season prior to having his eligibility revoked. The Hofstra baseball team is vying for a position in the upcoming Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament as it welcomes Elon University this weekend, needing at least two wins to clinch a playoff berth.
Photo courtesy of Pete Coco/Hofstra Athletics
