Ottawa WR Seth Coate suspended for violating drug policy

TORONTO — Ottawa REDBLACKS receiver Seth Coate has been suspended for two-games after testing positive for a banned substance, SARM LGD-4033 metabolite, under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association.

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.

“We were recently informed that REDBLACKS practice roster player Seth Coate tested positive for a banned substance,” the REDBLACKS said in a team-issued statement. “We understand that this is likely the result of an over-the-counter supplement taken by the player before he was a member of the club.

While we accept the penalty imposed by the CFL, we know the kind of person and player we have in Seth Coate and the REDBLACKS organization stands firm in its support for him.”
Coate signed as a free agent with the REDBLACKS in May but has yet to dress for a game.

The Fort Wayne, IN native spent his college career with the Saint Francis Cougars where he totaled 3,505 yards and 51 touchdowns, and during that time was able to put up an impressive number of 17 games with 100 or more receiving yards.

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 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.