ROUGHRIDER MARVIN GOLDING SUSPENDED FOR VIOLATING CFL/CFLPA DRUG POLICY

TORONTO (December 19, 2016) – Saskatchewan Roughrider linebacker Marvin Golding has been suspended for two games after testing positive for a banned substance (dehydrochlormethyltestosterone), under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA).

Golding’s suspension will come into effect once he is next eligible to play a regular season game.

The CFL and CFLPA announced expanded testing for performance enhancing drugs in April, ahead of the 2016 season.

Players who test positive will face a two game suspension for a first doping violation, a nine game suspension for a second violation, a one-year suspension for a third violation, and a lifetime ban for a fourth violation.

Under the policy, a suspended player cannot participate in regular season or playoff games. It is up to their Club to determine whether that player can participate in other team activities, such as practices and meetings.

All players will be subject to mandatory drug testing once testing positive and will participate in an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if they need additional counselling.

The policy mandates a total number of random tests equal to 100% of the players in the CFL. Random testing is ongoing and is conducted year round.