Rhys Williams out of Commonwealth Games for doping violation

Hurdler Rhys Williams is out of the Commonwealth Games after being charged with a doping violation, reports the BBC.

Williams was tested at the Glasgow Grand Prix on July 11 and reportedly tested positive in both his A and his back-up B sample.

"I am utterly devastated about the news of this anti-doping rule violation, which has come as a great shock to me," Williams said. "From the outset, I would strongly like to state that I have not knowingly taken any banned substance.

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Williams won a gold medal in the 400 meter hurdles at the European Championships in 2012. 

"The athlete has the opportunity to respond to the charges against him, and to have those charges determined at a full hearing before the National Anti-Doping Panel," Team Wales said in a statement.

- Scooby Axson