WCup veteran Juninho escapes doping suspension

Associated Press Sports

updated 8:38 p.m. ET Oct. 19, 2012

SAO PAULO (AP) - Former Brazil midfielder Juninho has escaped punishment for failing to follow doping test rules after a Brazilian league game.

Brazil's sports tribunal only warned Juninho on Friday for going to the locker room before undergoing the test after Vasco da Gama's match against Ponte Preta on Sept. 23.

There is a suspension of up to two years for breaking the rule.

The 37-year-old playmaker said he was "relieved" but said he felt he had already been "morally punished" because his name was linked to doping.

He said the case made headlines across Europe, especially in France, where he thrived with Lyon for several years.

Juninho played for Brazil at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where the team was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.

? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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