Russian Athletes Incriminate Ex-Doping Lab Chief in Inciting Doping Use

A number of Russian athletes have testified that former Russian anti-doping lab director Grigory Rodchenkov had incited them toward doping use, the Russian Investigative Committee said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Lazutov said the committee questioned suspended Deputy Sports Minister Yury Nagornykh, former heads of Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), as well as more than 50 athletes and trainers in the investigation.

"A number of athletes have given direct testimony that Rodchenkov urged them to use the products… that were later designated as doping," Vice-Chairman Col. Gen. Ilua Lazutov said at an independent anti-doping commission hosted by the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.

Russian investigators had also requested legal assistance in the doping investigation from Switzerland, Canada and the United States, the vice-chairman added.