Campbell suspended two games for violating CFL drug policy
A positive drug test by Bruce Campbell means the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive tackle will miss the first two regular-season CFL games in 2018.
The league announced Tuesday the 29-year-old pending free agent has been suspended for two games for violating the CFL/CFLPA drug policy. The international offensive lineman tested positive for the banned substance ibutamoren (a synthetic growth hormone) during random testing in November.
Under terms of the drug policy, first-time offenders like Campbell are subject to a two-game suspension. A second violation results in a nine-game suspension, a third leads to a one-year suspension and a fourth means a lifetime CFL ban.
“First, I would like to apologize to the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and my teammates for putting them in this position,” Campbell said Tuesday in a prepared statement. “I’d also like to apologize to Rider fans and fans across the league. I take full responsibility for my actions and ensure you it will not happen again. I accept the Canadian Football League decision and will not be appealing the two-game suspension.”
Riders head coach, general manager and vice-president of football operations Chris Jones also responded in a prepared statement.
“As an organization, we fully support the CFL and CFLPA policy to prevent the use of performanceenhancing drugs,” Jones said. “We are disappointed to learn that a member of our team has committed a violation. We have spoken with Bruce and he has taken ownership of his decision and realizes the impact of this violation.”
The Riders acquired Campbell from the Toronto Argonauts on Feb. 10, 2016, for a fourth-round selection in the 2016 CFL draft and the rights to an unnamed negotiation-list player. On May 3, 2016, Campbell abruptly retired.
He maintained contact with Jones and re-signed with the Riders on June 26. He started 12 regular-season games along with both playoff contests. Unless he re-signs with the Riders, Campbell can become a free agent on Feb. 13.
Ibutamoren, which increases lean body mass, is among the banned substances covered under the drug policy adopted in 2016.
All players who have tested positive are now subject to mandatory drug testing and are to participate in an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if they need additional counselling. Random testing is ongoing and is conducted year-round.
Under the policy, a suspended player cannot participate in games. It is up to the individual clubs to determine whether a suspended player can participate in practices and meetings.