The CFL has suspended Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Mike Jones for two games after testing positive for a banned substance.
The CFL said in a statement Tuesday that Jones tested positive for dehydrochlormethyltestosterone, a performance-enhancing anabolic steroid outlawed by the joint drug policy of the league and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association.
It is the same substance former Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder Chris Colabello tested positive for in 2016. Last season, Tiger-Cats receiver Brandon Banks was suspended for two games after he tested positive for the banned substance Methylenedioxyamphetamine.
Jones, a first-time offender, is suspended effective immediately, but the Ticats can decide to include him in other team activities, such as practices and meetings.
Statement from Mike Jones
“On Friday, September 15, following our game versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders, I was informed by the CFL Players’ Association that I tested positive for a banned substance called dehydrochlormethyltestosterone after a random drug test. I had never heard of this substance, and I have never intentionally consumed it. In fact, I had each of my supplements checked on two occasions (before and after), and each time they were deemed safe. I cannot say exactly how dehydrochlormethyltestosterone was found in my urine, but I am both responsible and accountable for what’s found in my body.
“I want to apologize to the CFL, CFLPA, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and my family for the way this incident may reflect upon them. I will be sure to take additional steps to ensure I am putting safe supplements in my body so that this never happens again. Playing professional football in Canada is a privilege, and I would never do anything to jeopardize or tarnish the purity of the game of football in the CFL. Thank you to my loved ones for their support throughout this process.”
Statement from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
“The Hamilton Tiger-Cats fully endorse the Canadian Football League’s joint drug testing/substance abuse policy with the CFLPA. We believe in Mike as a person and player, and although his violation is extremely disappointing, we’re confident he will take the necessary steps moving forward to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Players who test positive under the policy 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.
Jones, who is in his sophomore season in the CFL, has recorded 25 receptions for 267 yards in 11 games with Hamilton in 2017.
The 2-9 Ticats visit 6-5 B.C. this Friday night.