TORONTO — Former Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Dan Federkeil faces a two-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance (Testosterone) under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA).
Players who test positive 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. Federkeil recently retired from the CFL. Should he decide to come out of retirement, he would be required to serve the two-game suspension.
Federkeil’s test was administered during the off-season.
“I have been dealing with a medical issue for two years but the nature of the condition allowed me to postpone treatment because I fully realized the medically prescribed drug was not compatible with the CFL/CFLPA drug policy,” Federkeil said in a statement issued by the team. “It was only after the 2017 season was over and after I had made the decision to retire that I began the treatment process.”
In the same statement, President and General Manager John Hufnagel added:
“The football team was aware of Dan’s situation from the outset and we appreciate him putting his personal comfort on hold so that he could continue to play for us while remaining in compliance with the drug policy. We thank Dan once more for his contributions during his five seasons with the Stampeders and wish him health and success in the post-football portion of his life.”
Under the policy, a suspended player cannot participate in regular season or post-season games. It is up to the Club to determine whether that player can participate in other team activities, such as mini camp, training camp, practices, pre-season games and meetings.
All players who test positive are subject to mandatory drug testing and must participate in an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if they need additional counselling.
Otherwise, testing is random, ongoing and year-round. The policy mandates a total number of random tests equal to 100 per cent of the players in the CFL.
