Delpopolo's Family Speaks Out About Olympian's Expulsion

Though the Delpopolo family's trip to the London Olympic Games did not turn out as they had hoped, the Westfield natives are grateful for the support of the community. 

U.S. Judoka Nicholas Delpopolo, 23, who sought to become the first American in his sport to bring home the gold medal, placed seventh in his division at the London Olympics but was expelled from the Olympic games after testing positive for marijuana, it was announced Monday.

As a result, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualifed Delpopolo's result from the men's 73 kg Judo event (see the full statement attached).

In an email sent to Patch, Delpopolo's mom, Joyce, a Cranford High School history teacher, expressed her gratitude to those who have stood by her family during the past few days.

"We want to thank those who have reached out to our family at this unfortunate time. Nick is in the process of structuring a plan of action in accordance with the IOC and its associated agencies. At this point, Nick is planning on competing in the 2016 Olympics. Again, thanks to the staff at Cranford High School and the residents of Cranford and Westfield for their support."

--The Delpopolo Family

The Los Angeles Times reported Monday that Delpopolo issued the following apology: "My positive test was caused by my inadvertent consumption of food that I did not realize had been baked with marijuana, before I left for the Olympic Games. I apologize to the U.S. Olympic Committee, to my teammates, and to my fans, and I am embarrassed by this mistake."

For more on Delpopolo's journey to the London Olympics, visit the following: