STAMPEDER QUINN SMITH SUSPENDED FOR VIOLATING CFL/CFLPA DRUG POLICY
Violation is first since revamped anti-doping policy was announced last spring
TORONTO (September 9, 2016) – Calgary Stampeder defensive lineman Quinn Smith has been suspended for three games effective immediately after testing positive for a banned substance (Methandienone), under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA).
This marks the first violation since the revamped policy -- featuring expanded testing conducted by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) -- was announced in April.
A CFL player who tests positive for a banned substance under the policy normally faces a two-game suspension for a first doping violation.
However, having previously tested positive at the 2014 CFL Combine while still a Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) athlete, this results in a three-game suspension for the player per the drug policy.
Under the revamped policy, violations are publicly disclosed once a player waives their right to appeal or all appeals have been exhausted.
Under the policy, a suspended player cannot participate in 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 recognizes previous violations from Canadian Interuniversity Sport, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Football League (NFL) and other World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) tested sports.
The policy states that for players who entered the CFL with no previous sanctions from these other leagues and organizations, the following penalties will apply: 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.
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.
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