2008 Beijing Olympics 400 meter gold medalist Lashawn Merritt recently failed a drug test after the results revealed a banned substance in his system.
The substance, dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA, is a type of steroids precursor commonly found in penis enlargement pills.
Officials say that Merritt took ExtenZe pills, which are touted as a “natural male enhancement pill.”
According to his lawyer, Merritt failed three consecutive drug tests from October 2009 to January 2010.
Merritt hopes that his sponsors, family, friends and fans can forgive him for making what he calls a “foolish, immature and egotistical mistake.”
He also adds “Any penalty that I may receive for my action will not overshadow the embarrassment and humiliation that I feel inside.”
