The UPA has announced Tuesday afternoonthat Andrei Daescu has been fined $50,000 & suspended for 60 days of play (starting after the PPA Atlanta event). In addition to the suspension, the UPA has placed him on probation for a year.
The suspension comes from a violation involving one of Daescu’s paddles during MLP Atlanta, where a foreign substance was found on one of the paddles that he submitted to Pickle Pro Labs for on-site testing. That substance was later confirmed as an illegal substance that remains unnamed by the UPA.
The UPA added that Daescu has admitted that the paddle’s surface had been altered, although he will address the situation publicly soon.
Moreover being unable to compete in either MLP or PPA events until mid-July, the 4-time 2024 PPA medalist has also been fined $50,000 & placed on probation for one year.
Due to suspension, Andrei Daescu will miss the CIBC Texas Open powered by TIXR, the Veolia Sacramento Open presented by Best Day Brewing, and the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Fitvine.
And as a partner of the AZ Drive, he will also miss MLP D.C. & the Mid-Season Tournament.
Andrei Daescu Reply on X – Date: 8:31 PM · May 30, 2024
I am pained by the recent events. This was an unfortunate mishap. I would NEVER cheat.
There was no intent to use the paddle in question during competition; it was mistakenly submitted for testing. The paddle has never been used in competition.
The UPA has rules and policies. Paddle testing is the player’s responsibility. I will abide by their decision.
