MY SON’S INNOCENT
FATHER DEFENDS SUNS PLAYER AFTER SHOCK POSITIVE DRUG TEST
GOLD Coast AFL player Brayden Crossley is facing a drug ban after returning a positive match-day test for cocaine.
Cocaine detected on match day is considered performanceenhancing and carries a maximum four-year ban.
The Australian Sports AntiDoping Authority are conducting an investigation.
The Suns forward is waiting for the return of a B sample after a urine test before the May 25 NEAFL game against the Swans detected traces of a cocaine metabolite – a banned substance under the World Anti-Doping Authority code.
It is understood he intends to vigorously defend himself and will deny knowingly ingesting a banned substance.
Crossley, who turns 20 next week, played 10 games in his debut season but has been unable to break into the senior side this year.
He kicked two goals and had 10 disposals in the Round 8 clash against the Swans, which Sydney won by 58 points.
Crossley’s last NEAFL game was against Southport on June 15 and he is on Gold Coast’s injury list as (personal leave) with a TBA return date.
He has been absent from the club on a provisional ban since June 29 when he was informed of his positive test.
Gold Coast issued a statement in response to questions from News Corp that said: “We have been notified that Brayden Crossley has received notification of an adverse analytical finding from a recent test by under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code.
“The club supports the role of and will fully co-operate during this process.
“We are continuing to provide Brayden with wellbeing support and want to stress that it would be inappropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the matter at this time.
“Brayden has sought independent legal advice to assist him going forward.
“The club’s public commentary on this issue is governed by strict protocols, and as such under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code we are unable to provide any further commentary whilst the process unfolds.’’
WE ARE CONTINUING TO PROVIDE BRAYDEN WITH WELLBEING SUPPORT AND WANT TO STRESS THAT IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE TO PRE-EMPT THE OUTCOME OF THE MATTER AT THIS TIME SUNS IN A STATEMENT