CALGARY – Calgary Stampeder defensive tackle Quinn Smith has been suspended for three games for testing positive for a banned substance for the second time in his football career.
The 24-year-old from Toronto tested positive for the anabolic steroid Methandienone.
It’s the CFL’s first violation since the league’s drug testing was revamped and expanded in April.
Quinn’s punishment could have been a much harsher nine-game suspension, but his first violation pre-dates the CFL’s new policy.
The Stampeders were in Edmonton on Friday preparing for Saturday’s game at Commonwealth Stadium against the Eskimos. Smith apologized in a statement issued by the team.
“I am sorry to have failed a drug test,” Smith said. “It is our responsibility as men and as players to know what is going in and out of our bodies. I have not lived up to that. This is my mistake and no one else’s.
“To the fans that sit in minus-40 degree weather to cheer us on in red and white, I love you all. You’re the reason game day is so special. I hope to get another chance to experience your love for us.”
The six-foot-two, 303-pound lineman started in two of six games played this season with seven tackles, three sacks and a knockdown. Smith played 11 games on the defensive line and six on the offensive line in 2015.
Random testing is conducted by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) year-round, according to the CFL. Any player testing positive is subject to mandatory testing thereafter.
A player who tests positive under the new policy faces a two-game suspension for a first doping violation. A second is nine games, a third is a one-year ban and a fourth is a lifetime ejection from the CFL.
Smith tested positive for the steroid Stanozolol at the 2014 CFL combine while still a Canadian Interuniversity Sport athlete for Concordia.
The CFL says it is up to the Stampeders to decide whether Smith can participate in practices and meetings while he serves his suspension.
“The Calgary Stampeders fully support the joint policy on performance-enhancing drugs and we were very disappointed when informed of Quinn’s violation,” Stampeder general manager John Hufnagel said in a separate statement.
“Quinn recognizes the gravity of his error and the harm he has done to himself and his reputation. We trust he will learn from his mistake and avoid another occurrence. This incident proves that players need to be aware and wise about the supplements they are taking.
“Following our game against Edmonton, we will make a determination on Quinn’s level of participation for practice and meetings during the suspension.”
The CFL’s drug policy recognizes previous violations from the CIS, NCAA, NFL and the World Anti-Doping Association.
Comments