“STRIKE 2”: Justin Brownlee faces another doping controversy

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Justin Brownlee is once again under fire after multiple sources revealed his second positive drug test, days after Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Game 7 loss to the TNT Tropang Giga.

According to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), Brownlee received a notice of adverse analytical finding announced on March 31, 2025.

The SBP added that Brownlee’s US-based lawyers are currently working things out despite the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) not issuing any official ruling as of now.

This is a critical time for the Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team with only four months left to prepare before the main event of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup begins.

With Brownlee still listed as the PHL’s naturalized player, FIBA’s final verdict on his positive test for a banned substance will become a huge factor if he can still play in the August window.

During his first positive test for Carboxy-THC, a drug that is often linked to cannabis last October 12, 2023, FIBA issued a three-month suspension on Brownlee.

According to the International Testing Agency (ITA), Brownlee’s samples were collected last October 7, 2023, during an in-competition anti-doping control.

It was during the 2023 Asian Games that Brownlee tested positive, a tournament where he helped the PHL end their gold medal drought.

Brownlee had one of the best runs in the history of the Asian Games men’s basketball after helping Gilas pull off a stunning come-from-behind victory over China to secure their gold medal duel against Jordan.

Down by seven points with only 1:36 remaining in the crucial semifinal game, Brownlee went beast mode and unloaded eight straight points in 67 seconds to dispatch China, 77-76.

Brownlee finished his legendary game with 33 points with 17 of those all coming in the fourth quarter, leaving the pro-Chinese crowd in shock as they walked out with the victory.