REPORT: Aaron Brooks facing a potential multi-year suspension for failed drug test

Former Penn State wrestling star Aaron Brooks is facing a potential setback that could impact his preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games.

On Friday, wrestling insider Pat Mineo reported that Brooks failed a U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) test for a recently banned substance, the penalty for which could be a 1-2 year suspension from competition.

In a statement released Friday evening, Brooks appeared to acknowledge the accuracy of the report. While he didn’t disclose details, he did suggest that he was not aware that he took a banned substance.

“I’ve been dealing with some major medical issues, which is why I haven’t competed this year,” Brooks wrote on social media. “To the next and upcoming generation, always be mindful of what you put in your body. Ignorance kills and even something that seems innocent at your local grocery store can cause consequences. I’ll be back soon.”

pic.twitter.com/G1OlRptlpi

— AB (@__ABALLDAY) June 27, 2025

In 2023, Brooks failed a PED test ahead of the U23 World Championships for not reporting a prescription for Adderall. The issue was later resolved, allowing the four-time NCAA champion to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Representing Team USA at 97 kg after downing David Taylor at the Olympic Team Trials, Brooks went on to win a Bronze Medal in Paris.

Even if he serves a two-year ban, Brooks would still be eligible to return for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The news created quite a stir on social media, the latest twist in what has been anything but a quiet offseason for Penn State wrestling and the NLWC. In May, former Gold Medalist Kyle Snyder was arrested in Ohio on prostitution charges. This week, reports emerged accusing five-time NCAA champion Carter Starocci of sexual misconduct and property theft.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Part of the Full Ride network, we are an alumni-owned and operated, credentialed media outlet dedicated to providing you with updated and reliable insights for all your favorite Nittany Lion sports. Whether it’s Penn State football, basketball, wrestling, or anything in between, you can find it all on Basic Blues Nation!

Please follow us on our social channels — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube — and subscribe to our newsletter on Substack for the latest breaking news and notifications. For feedback, questions, or concerns, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on social media.