A leading Colombian player has been suspended for three months, fined the equivalent of $3,000 and ordered into rehab after admitting using marijuana, football authorities in the country said Tuesday.
Wilder Medina, a striker with the Deportes Tolima club, who is currently joint top-scorer in the Colombian top division, tested positive for the drug for the third time on March 26 following a 2-0 victory over Deportivo Cali.
Medina acknowledged he used the drug during a disciplinary commission hearing.
''Wilder has a problem with addiction and wants to rehabilitate himself, he needs help,'' the player's lawyer, Andres Charria, said. ''Marijuana is not doping, it doesn't improve physical performance. He's living a human problem.''
Medina also had positive tests after matches on Feb. 5 and 13.
Medina has scored eight goals in the current Clausura tournament, top of the scoring charts alongside Once Caldas striker Wason Renteria. He also scored 16 goals in the past 2010 Apertura tournament.
Charria said an appeal against the punishment was possible. Otherwise, Medina's suspension begins this weekend.
