updated 6:07 p.m. ET Sept. 21, 2004

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - John Capel received a public warning Tuesday following a positive test for marijuana that led to him being replaced on the U.S. 400-meter relay team at the Athens Olympics.

Capel tested positive in early August in Munich, Germany, at a team competition between the United States, France and Germany. Since it was his first such violation, he did not receive any suspension. Any other positive test of a so-called “minor” drug would result in a two-year ban from competition.

The public warning for Capel, the 2003 world champion at 200 meters, was announced Tuesday by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Marijuana has caused other problems for Capel. A wide receiver at Florida, he was selected by the Chicago Bears in 2001, but tested positive for the drug at the draft combine. On May 5, 2001, he was charged with possession of marijuana, and the Bears released him.

In 2002, he failed to make the roster for the Kansas City Chiefs and returned to running on the advice of coach Dick Vermeil.

Four years ago in Sydney, Capel was a favorite in the 200 but faltered out of the start in the race and finished last. Later he said he went out partying with friends the night before the final.

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