updated 8:57 a.m. ET Aug. 10, 2006

RALEIGH, N.C. - Track and field’s world governing body is investigating the coach of sprinter Justin Gatlin for alleged doping violations.

The International Association of Athletics Federations said Thursday the probe into the activities of Trevor Graham will be carried out in conjunction with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

At least six athletes who trained under Graham have received doping suspensions. Graham, however, has always denied direct knowledge or involvement with drug use.

Gatlin, the reigning Olympic and world champion and co-world record holder in the 100 meters, tested positive for testosterone or other steroids after a relay race in Kansas in April. Graham has said Gatlin was the victim of a vengeful massage therapist who rubbed testosterone cream on him without his knowledge.

Gatlin, who denies knowingly using banned substances, faces a lifetime ban if found guilty of a second doping offense.

Gatlin was suspended in 2001 after testing positive for an amphetamine found in medication he was taking for attention deficit disorder. The IAAF gave him early reinstatement, but said the suspension remained on his record and he would face a life ban for any second violation.

Graham is reportedly under investigation in connection with the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative steroid probe. If evidence is found that he engaged in doping practices, the USADA will initiate disciplinary proceedings against him, the IAAF said in a statement.

“In order to defend the credibility of our sport, we will engage all our efforts, in co-operation with partners such as USADA, to defend the majority of athletes who are clean, against athletes, coaches, managers or any other support personnel who break our anti-doping rules,” the statement said.

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Graham helped launch the federal investigation of BALCO three years ago by anonymously mailing a syringe containing a previously undetectable steroid to the USADA.

Despite the probe, eligible athletes coached by Graham remain free to compete in this year’s remaining World Tour meets based on invitations from organizers, the IAAF said. But organizers of a meet in Berlin, Germany, have banned all athletes linked to Graham from competing in the Sept. 3 event, and called on other meets to do the same.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has barred Graham from using its training centers and training sites as a result of his suspected links to doping.

Graham’s lawyer on Tuesday asked the USOC to lift the ban, saying the coach passed a lie-detector test when he denied giving performance-enhancing drugs to athletes.

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