Curler Briane Harris not at fault for anti-doping rule violation, provisional ban lifted

Canadian curler Briane Harris can return to the ice immediately.

Nearly a year after testing positive for a banned substance which she said she was unknowingly exposed to through bodily contact, Harris has won her appeal case.

It's been decided she bears no fault or negligence and that there will be no period of ineligibility.

"I cannot put into words how happy and relieved I am feeling right now," Harris told CBC Sports. "I have been shaking all morning since receiving the news that I thought would never come. I am exonerated and it feels so incredibly amazing.

"I am so excited to play the sport I love again, and I can't wait to do so."

Harris was facing a suspension of up to four years.

In a lengthy Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling released early Tuesday, it was revealed Harris was exposed to Ligandrol through the exchange of bodily fluids with her husband.

Ligandrol is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. It is used to increase energy and muscle growth.

In the ruling it says, "she was exposed to Ligandrol due to intimate contacts with her husband during the period when he was consuming the Crossfit Stack," which contained Ligandrol.

Harris argued she was unaware her husband was taking the substance, nor could she have known that intimate contact could have posed a risk of contamination.

In the end it was decided the evidence demonstrated Harris took every precaution possible against contamination.

"She does not share food or drinks either within her household or in public settings, ensuring the highest level of care to avoid contamination," it said in the document.

"The Athlete has fulfilled her duty of care by exercising reasonable caution. She could not have reasonably known or suspected her husband's use of Ligandrol, nor was she aware of the potential risk of contamination."

Harris has not been on the ice since being notified of her doping violation on the eve of the Scotties in Calgary in February of 2024. She hasn't been able to compete or train and wasn't allowed to interact with her coach or teammates in Kerri Einarson's rink.

Her team was scheduled to begin play at the Grand Slam of Curling's WFG Masters in Guelph, Ont., on Tuesday.

"With today's announcement, we can confirm that Briane Harris is immediately eligible to participate in all Curling Canada events," Curling Canada said in a statement. "We are pleased to welcome her back to competition and wish her the best in her future curling endeavours."

'Difficult 11 months for all of us'

In a statement, Team Einarson said they were relieved to see Briane's case resolved.

"It has been a difficult 11 months for all of us not knowing what was going to happen, so we're thankful that we can all move forward with some clarity."

Team Einarson recently announced Karlee Burgess would be joining the team after it was revealed second Shannon Birchard would remain out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Burgess is in the lineup in Guelph.

A decision on when Harris might return to the lineup is still being decided. The team posted in their statement they're using this week's event in Guelph as a "dress rehearsal" for the Scotties in February.

"Once this event is done, and after we assess where we're at, we will sit down as a team for further discussions," the statement said.

"We are so pleased with the outcome of Briane's case. Most importantly, we are thrilled that Briane is now able to move forward and rejoin her team in competition," Harris's lawyers Amanda Fowler and Emir Crowne said in a statement.

In late December, Harris revealed to CBC Sports she is five months pregnant.