DelPopolo Expelled from Olympics After Positive Drug Test

Nicholas Delpopolo, U.S. Judoka and Westfield native, who placed seventh in his division at the London Olympics, has been expelled from the Olympic games after testing positive for marijuana.

As a result, the International Olympic Committee has disqualifed Delpopolo's result from the men's 73 kg Judo event (see the full statement attached).

According to information on the official International Olympics website, Delpopolo's diploma in the event was withdrawn and his Olympic identity and accreditation card has been cancelled and withdrawn.

Delpopolo, 23, is ranked number one in the U.S. and 12th in the world in the sport. He secured his spot on the after a dramatic fight to the finish against long-time rival Mike Eldred at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami. He was among six Americans competing on the U.S. Judo team and was the only one in his 73 kg weight class.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Delpopolo has issued an apology: "My positive test was caused by my inadvertent consumption of food that I did not realize had been baked with marijuana, before I left for the Olympic Games. I apologize to the U.S. Olympic Committee, to my teammates, and to my fans, and I am embarrassed by this mistake."

Delpopolo continued, "I look forward to representing my country in the future and will re-dedicate myself to being the best judo athlete that I can be."

Patch will continue to update this story.