DRAFT YEAR DEFERRED FOR FIVE CFL PROSPECTS
Five prospects for the 2017 CFL Draft will be eligible in 2018 due to CFL and CFLPA rules regarding anti-doping rule violations
Michael Stefanovic (Regina) is also removing himself from the 2017 Draft, although a violation of the CFL’s anti-doping rules has not yet been confirmed. Stefanovic intends on exercising his right to a hearing.
The CFL and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA) announced new stringent anti-doping rules last year concerning draft eligibility for individuals hoping to enter the league. These rules are as follows:
· An individual who incurs an anti-doping rule violation pursuant to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP) or who tests positive for a substance banned under the CFL drug policy in the year of his CFL Draft, or the immediate year prior to his CFL Draft, will have his Draft year deferred for one year.
· An individual who, having gone through the CFL Draft, whether drafted or undrafted, subsequently incurs an anti-doping rule violation pursuant to the CADP or who tests positive for a substance banned under the CFL drug policy, would be ineligible to sign a contract with a CFL team for one (1) calendar year after the individual tests positive or incurs an anti-doping rule violation as referenced above.
· An individual who is ineligible for the CFL Draft (i.e. Canadian Junior Football League player or U SPORTS, National Collegiate Athletic Association, National Football League player or any other athlete from another sport) and who incurs an anti-doping rule violation pursuant to the CADP or pursuant to any other drug testing program or who tests positive for a substance banned under the CFL drug policy, would be ineligible to sign a contract with a CFL team for one (1) calendar year after the individual tests positive or incurs an anti-doping rule violation as referenced above.
The 2017 CFL Draft will be held on Sunday and will be broadcast live on TSN and RDS.