Report: Vijay Singh sues PGA Tour over deer antler doping case

Vijay Singh revealed in a Sports Illustrated article he had used deer antler spray. (David Cannon/Getty Images)

Vijay Singh has sued the PGA Tour for damaging his reputation during its handling of his doping case, according to The New York Times.

Singh's lawsuit claims the PGA relied on WADA’s list of banned substances rather than doing its own research on whether banned substances provide any performance-enhancing benefits.

“I am proud of my achievement, my work ethic and the way I live my life,” Singh said in a statement. “The PGA Tour not only treated me unfairly, but displayed a lack of professionalism that should concern every professional golfer and fan of the game.”

Singh revealed in a Sports Illustrated article in January that he had used deer-antler spray containing IGF-1, a substance on the PGA Tour’s list of banned substances and anti-doping policy.

The lawsuit said the tour notified Singh on Feb. 19 that he was to be suspended for 90 days. He also seeks damages after the tour held Singh’s earnings -- $99,980 from five tournaments -- in escrow during his appeal.

The PGA announced it was dropping its case against Singh on April 30 after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) changed its stance on the questioned substance.

“He’s looking to reclaim his reputation and hold the tour accounting for acting irresponsible,” said Jeffrey Rosenblum, one of Singh’s lawyers. “He’s concerned about his reputation. There should never be an asterisk next to Vijay’s name."

The PGA had no comment.

“We have not seen the lawsuit, just the statement,” PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw said. “We have no comment.”