Vijay Singh Cleared: Why Were Doping Charges Dropped By PGA?

PGA Golfer Vijay Singh had his charges of doping dropped by the PGA Tour after the World Anti-Doping Agency concluded that deer-antler-based spray is not considered a controlled substance by the organization any more.

Nonetheless, Singh said he would not be competing at the upcoming Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Golf Club in Charlotte, N.C.

Deer antler spray, is made from 'velvet antler' from deer, moose and elk caught-and-released in the northern wilds or farmed in places like New Zealand. It reportedly causes no lasting damage to the animal.

The actual substance the Fiji-born Singh was allegedly using is called Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, or IGF-1. It is composed of a protein called Somatomedin-C. IGF-1 is a hormone that assists in the growth of animals, including humans.

IGF-1 is still banned by the NFL, and was briefly mentioned in football circles after now-retired Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis was accused of using it, which Lewis denied. While the FDA has not approved the use of IGF-1, it is not an illegal substance under the law.

Vijay Singh has not offered details of his alleged use of velvet antler containing IGF-1.

Following the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour, the nation's best golfers will again compete at The Players' Championship. It will be held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. on May 9-12. This year's U.S. Open will be held at Merion Golf Club in Haverford, Delaware County, Pa. in June.