Matt Smith/CFL.ca
TORONTO — Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Bruce Campbell has been suspended for two games after testing positive for a banned substance (Ibutamoren) under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA).
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 games. It is up to the club to determine whether that player can participate in other team activities, such as practices and meetings.
Both Campbell and Riders head coach and general manager Chris Jones issued statements following the announcement.
Statement from Bruce Campbell:
“First, I would like to apologize to the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and my teammates for putting them in this position. I’d also like to apologize to Rider fans and fans across the league. I take full responsibility for my actions and ensure you it will not happen again. I accept the Canadian Football League decision and will not be appealing the two-game suspension.”
Statement from Riders general manager and head coach Chris Jones:
“As an organization, we fully support the CFL and CFLPA policy to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs. We are disappointed to learn that a member of our team has committed a violation. We have spoken with Bruce and he has taken ownership of his decision and realizes the impact of this violation.”
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 per cent of the players in the CFL.
Random testing is ongoing and is conducted year-round.
