Friday, August 4 2006 16:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Los Angeles: "The US Olympic Committee Thursday banned athletics coach Trevor Graham from using any of its training centers and training sites, "USOC chairman Peter Ueberroth said.

Ueberroth announced the decision on a media conference call, saying it was "based on the unusual number of athletes he has coached who have been convicted of doping offenses.

"We are today notifying Trevor Graham in writing that he is prohibited from using any of our training centers or training sites," Ueberroth said.

"Period. End of statement," he said.

Graham trains Justin Gatlin, the Olympic and world 100m champion who faces a possible life ban after a positive result for testosterone.

Gatlin also faces being stripped of the 100m world record he shares with Jamaican Asafa Powell.

Graham also trained Alvin and Calvin Harrison, Michelle Collins and Tim Montgomery and Patrick Jarrett, who have all received doping suspensions.

Earlier Thursday, Berlin Golden League meet organisers said that athletes coached by Graham would not be allowed to compete.

Ueberroth and USOC chief executive Jim Scherr said the USOC action against Graham was just part of a wider effort against doping, an ongoing campaign that has taken on more urgency since the announcement by Gatlin himself on Saturday of his positive test, and the revelation two days earlier that newly crowned Tour de France champion Floyd Landis had apparently tested positive for testosterone.

"The news this last few weeks regarding two athletes from two diffent sports is a cold reminder that we're not winning the battle," Ueberroth said.

"If just one athlete participating is doping, it's one athlete too many," he said.

Ueberroth said the USOC will also be issuing a formal 'Call to Action' to others involved in all levels of American sports asking for more support and participation in anti-doping research and education.

While current anti-doping measures rest largely on an athlete having ultimate responsibility for any substance discovered in a positive test, Scherr said the USOC wanted to explore ways of holding coaches, trainers and other support staff more accountable.

And Scherr said US Olympic officials were prepared to sacrifice the medal tally at the 2008 Beijing Games if necessary.

"Our goals for these Games are the same as for all of our Games, one that we particpate and protect the safety and security of our entire delegation, and two, that we represent our country with honor and dignity that means we take a clean team to these Games," he said.

"If that means we win zero medals, that's fine. Having a clean team is more important," he said.