Capitals' Backstrom drops appeal against IOC in doping case

Swedish hockey star Nicklas Backstrom has dropped his appeal against the IOC ruling that he committed a doping violation at the Sochi Olympics. In return, he has accepted the minimum sanction of a reprimand.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport announced Thursday that a settlement had been reached ''after constructive discussions'' between Backstrom's lawyers and the IOC, World Anti-Doping Agency and International Ice Hockey Federation.

Backstrom tested positive for pseudoephedrine after Sweden's win over Slovenia in the quarterfinals. The IOC ruled he committed a doping violation and suspended him from the gold-medal game, which Sweden lost 3-0 to Canada.

The IOC ruled later that Backstrom hadn't intended to enhance his performance, laying the blame for his positive test on the Swedish team doctor. Backstrom was allowed to receive the silver medal.