US Miler
Seneca Lassiter Reacts To Bernard Lagat's Positive EPO Test Seneca
Used To Train With Lagat In Tucson
(Editor's
Note: The following is the email we received from US miler Seneca
Lassiter on Sept. 3, 2003 when we contacted him and asked him
to comment on the fact that his former training partner Bernard
Lagat had tested positive for EPO. Seneca is a two-time US champion
at 1500 meters and also captured the 1998 NCAA 15000-meter title
when Bernard Lagat finished 8th (Lagat fell))
Weldon
First of all, I was truely saddend to hear this news. My first response was "I wonder how he is holding up?" Everyone is going to crucify him now but we have to realize that this is a man who has feelings, family and friends. I love Lagat as if he is my biological brother. My wife and I have been praying that this whole thing is taken care of in proper fashion.
I spoke to him last night and I could hear the pain in his voice. It hurt me because when my friend is hurting, I'm hurting. I seriously do not think that Kip is taking drugs. He does not even take vitamins because he is scared that he may intake something on the banned list. I feel very sorry that this has happend to such a great, stand-up kind of guy. He says he is innocent and I believe him!
Now that I'm back in Arkansas training with John McDonnell again I'm sure that people are going to try and mix that in with this whole drug scandle mess. I want you to know that my decesion to leave has nothing to do with this and that it is only for my improvement. Mark my words, I will be back this year!!!
Weldon, I'm sure that Kip is reading the message boards so you be sure to post that "I love him, and that my wife and I will keep him in our prayers because we know that it is not our plan, it's Gods plan. I really want Kip to know that there are people out there who cares about him because this is the time when he needs it most, thats what true friends are for!!!!!"
If you could post what I have written in this last paragraph on the front part of your home page, that would be great. It would mean a great deal to me. Thank You!
(Editor's
note: We posted Seneca's last paragraph as he requested and
then contacted him to get permission to post his entire response.)
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