Penn State Wrestler Aaron Brooks Suspended for Two Years by USADA

Brooks accused of unintentional doping violation, will miss 2027 World Team Trials but return in time for 2028 Olympics

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Penn State wrestler Aaron Brooks, a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, has been suspended for two years by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA. While USADA initially sought a four-year ban, an independent arbiter ruled the violation was unintentional and reduced the suspension to two years, meaning Brooks will miss the 2027 World Team Trials but be eligible to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Brooks is one of the top wrestlers in the world and a key member of the dominant Penn State Nittany Lions program. His suspension is a significant blow to the U.S. wrestling team's preparations for the 2028 Olympics, though the reduced two-year ban means he can still compete in Los Angeles after missing the 2027 World Championships.

The details

Brooks, 25, tested positive for the anabolic steroid DHEA, which is banned by anti-doping agencies. USADA sought a four-year ban, but an independent arbiter ruled the violation was unintentional and reduced the suspension to two years, from June 2025 to June 2027. Brooks won bronze at the 2024 Olympics and was a four-time NCAA champion for Penn State from 2021-2024.

  • Brooks was suspended from June 12, 2025 to June 12, 2027.
  • He will miss the 2027 World Team Trials but be eligible for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The players

Aaron Brooks

A 25-year-old wrestler who competed for Penn State and won an Olympic bronze medal in 2024.

USADA

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the organization that suspended Brooks for a doping violation.

Court of Arbitration for Sport

The independent arbiter that reduced Brooks' suspension from four years to two years after ruling the violation was unintentional.

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What’s next

Brooks will be eligible to compete in the 2028 Olympic trials in early 2028 after serving his two-year suspension.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges elite athletes face in navigating anti-doping regulations, as well as the importance of due process and proportionality in doping cases. Brooks' reduced suspension means he can still compete in the 2028 Olympics, but his absence from the 2027 World Championships is a significant setback for the U.S. wrestling team.