Vijay Singh, a noted Fijian golfer of Indian origin, has landed himself in a major controversy after admitting using deer antler spray, though he claims he didn't know it has a banned substance.
Deer antler spray contains a substance banned by the PGA Tour, but the professional golfer said he didn't use it intentionally, according to the Los Angeles Times.
"While I have used deer antler spray, at no time was I aware that it may contain a substance that is banned under the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Policy," Singh said in a statement released Wednesday. The statement was in response to a Sports Illustrated report that the golfer has taken a banned substance.
"In fact, when I first received the product, I reviewed the list of ingredients and did not see any prohibited substances," he was quoted as saying.
Singh was recently named in a Sports Illustrated report about a sports supplement company, Sports With Alternatives to Steroids, which claims to also have provided products for athletes including Singh.
Deer antler spray, which Singh admitted he has used, contains the banned substance IGF-1.
Singh said he has been in contact with the PGA Tour and is cooperating in its review. A PGA spokesman said the tour is "looking into the matter."
According to the report, Singh paid $9,000 for the deer antler spray and other products in November.
"I am absolutely shocked that deer antler spray may contain a banned substance and am angry that I have put myself in this position," Singh was quoted as saying by the Times.
Singh has 34 career PGA Tour victories as well as 13 European Tour wins.