Aaron Brooks, Olympic medalist and four-time NCAA wrestling champion, is staring down a possible suspension after failing a drug test—an incident tied not to performance enhancement, but to a supplement bought at the local grocery store.

The Hagerstown-born athlete, who brought home a bronze for the U.S. at the 2024 Paris Olympics, hasn’t competed this year due to what he describes as “major medical issues.” 

On Friday evening, he took to social media to address the controversy, warning younger athletes: “Even something that seems innocent at your local grocery store can cause consequences.”

His father, John Brooks, told reporters that the flagged substance came from an over-the-counter, plant-based supplement purchased at Wegmans. Aaron began taking it after a severe respiratory infection in April landed him in the hospital with double pneumonia.

“He couldn’t breathe,” John said. “After four days in the hospital, he was trying to feel normal again—just climbing stairs without gasping.” One of the supplements he picked up, sitting innocently beside fish oil, would soon prove costly. “He didn’t read the label,” John added. “That was the mistake.”

The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) tested Brooks in late April, shortly after his hospitalization. A decision on his case is expected within days.

John emphasized that Aaron’s use of the supplement wasn’t to gain an edge. “Intent matters,” he explained. “If they find negligence, we’re looking at six to twelve months. That’s a far cry from a two-year ban.” If the penalty feels too steep, they plan to appeal.

Despite the uncertainty, Brooks is still set to be inducted into the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame on July 19—a reminder that one misstep doesn’t erase a legacy built on grit, gold, and guts.

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