Sequence doesn't make sense*

Among the odd things -- and there are many about the Jessica Hardy case, in which the swimmer from Long Beach allegedly tested positive for a banned substance that is believed to be a stimulant -- is the specific sample in question.

This is from an e-mail from Hardy's agent, Evan Morgenstein, which hit bright and early this morning: "The sequence is negative, positive, negative I am being told..."

The three results are in reference to the three times Hardy was tested for drugs at the U.S. Oympic swimming trials earlier this month in Omaha.

Her three individual finals were on July 1 (the 100-meter breaststroke, in which she took first); July 4 (the 100-freestyle, in which she finished fourth and secured  a place on the 400-free relay team); and  July 6 (the 50 free, when she finished second to Dara Torres).

Last night, Morgenstein emailed me around 11:30 p.m., with an impassioned defense of Hardy:

Jessica Hardy is a friend and someone I have the utmost faith has NEVER done
anything other than the right way. I don't know enough about the
allegations to determine the veracity of the claim, but as far as I am
concerned Jessica is Innocent.  PERIOD.

As of 7:15 this morning, the team (which is training at Stanford University) hadn't been told anything officially about Hardy's status, according to one swimmer. Since yesterday afternoon, information has been filtering in via text messages and e-mails, according to the coach of one Olympian.

*USA Swimming now has issued a statement:

USA Swimming has been notified of the anti-doping proceeding involving a U.S. athlete. The matter is being handled by USADA and we are hopeful that the matter will be resolved expeditiously. Out of respect for the hearing process, USA Swimming will have no further comment at this time.

-- Lisa Dillman

Photo: Jessica Hardy poses for a portrait during the U.S. Olympic Swim Team Media Day at Stanford University on July 12. Credit: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Comments

[Troy]

I am a 110% supporter of Jessica Hardy and believe she is completely innocent of these allegations. She has consistently been a champion swimmer and deserves to compete in the Olympics. Period.

[Laura L.]

Torres is taking an asthma drug anyway. How is this fair?