Watch above: Huskies OL Jordan Arkko banned for two-years after positive drug test
SASKATOON – This past spring, University of Saskatchewan Athletic Director Basil Hughton, Dean Carol Rogers of the College of Kinesiology, and head coach Brian Towriss invited the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) to test the entire football team for banned substances.
A total of 84 separate tests were done on 64 players.
Jordan Arrko’s test came back positive.
“As soon as Huskie Athletics was informed that there was an adverse finding Jordan was suspended from the program and then the process took its course,” said Towriss.
On Wednesday, Arkko received a two year sanction for an anti-doping rule violation. His urine sample revealed the presence of GHRP-2 (growth hormone releasing peptide).
The two-year ban ends what was a promising CIS career for the Edmonton product. It’s a costly mistake for a player who should have known the risks involved.
“It’s part of our education that at the start of the year the kids go through,” claimed Towriss.
“They are constantly reminded that these are the penalties and this is what will happen if you choose to go against the anti-doping program.”
“I believe that there is an extensive education process,” added Hughton.
“I also believe it could always be better. We do our very best to inform them about what’s potentially out there and they make their decisions from there.”
The drug tests that were done in early March cost the University’s Athletic Department $8,500. While Hughton admits one positive test is too many, he feels strongly about the decision to do the team-wide testing.
“I have no regrets what so ever. I think we made the right and honourable decision to bring the CCES in to test our athletes. It allowed out athletes that have chosen to compete fairly to prove they have.”
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