Prior to the
2009 World Championships, Blake (along with
Marvin Anderson and
Sheri-Ann Brooks) tested positive for the stimulant
4-methyl-2-hexanamine.
[19][20] A disciplinary panel organised by the
Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) cleared him of a doping infraction on the grounds that the drug was not on the
World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list. However, JADCO appealed their own panel's ruling, stating that the athlete should be disciplined as the drug was similar in structure to the banned substance
tuaminoheptane.
[21] As the panel would resolve the issue after the World Championships, the
Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association took the precaution of withdrawing Blake from the
relay race.
[22] The appeals tribunal decided that a ban would be appropriate, and Blake and the three other sprinters each received a three-month ban from competition.
[23]