Humbled kick returner returns from suspension

Roy Finch doesn’t hesitate when asked about his current state of mind.

Returning to the practice field after a two-game suspension received for testing positive for a banned substance (D-amphetamine), the Calgary Stampeders kick returner was open about where his head is at.

Yes, it was rough being suspended, but no, it didn’t break him.

“I’m blessed, the two weeks off were really humbling,” Finch said Monday from McMahon Stadium, where he was practising with his teammates for the first time since his positive test was announced June 26. The Stamps play the Alouettes in Montreal on Friday.

“I was in my playbook, still training. I’m just glad to be back, glad that the situation is behind me. I took the necessary precautions and I’m just glad to be back.”

The d-amphetamine was in Finch’s system because he was taking medication to treat attention deficit disorder, and there’s been no implication that he was trying to cheat.

It happened, he should have been more careful, and he promises he will be.

“Yeah, for me, time served,” said Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson. “He’s doing well today. It’s good to see him back out here. He has a lot of energy and we’re happy to get him back.”

While Finch was open about taking medication to deal with his attention deficit disorder, he said Monday that he would prefer to “keep it in-house, keep it within my family and the coaches and doctors and the people who really understand the situation, rather than speaking much about the issue publicly.”

Finch did reiterate, though, that he’s taken all necessary precautions to ensure there is never a positive test.

For the most part, though, Finch is just eager to get back on the football field with the teammates who supported him.

“My teammates are behind me,” Finch said. “They put their arms around me and loved me as a brother, the same way I would do for them. Treat your brother as you wanted to be treated.”

Finch’s return doesn’t necessarily mean that Terry Williams will be sent back to the practice roster.

In Finch’s absence, Williams proved he can be a serious offensive threat, catching three passes for 64 yards against the Blue Bombers.