Welsh runner Gareth Warburton banned for doping

Welsh runner Gareth Warburton has been banned for anti-doping violations, the BBC reports.

Warburton, 31, was a favorite at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but will now miss the event due to his ban. He finished fourth in the 800-meter run at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

In a statement, Warburton defended himself against the allegations:

"The news of this anti-doping rule violation has come as a great shock to me," he said in a statement.

"From the outset, I would like to state that I have not knowingly taken any banned substance."

Warburton was a member of Great Britain's team in the 2012 London Olympics. Warburton will be able to appeal the suspension with UK Athletics and the National Anti-Doping Panel.

- Paul Palladino