Ticats star suspended for two games following positive test

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be without star receiver/ kick-returner Brandon Banks for their crucial rematch Friday night with the Ottawa Redblacks.

Banks was suspended for two games Wednesday for violating the Canadian Football League’s drug policy. According to the league, Banks tested positive for methylenedioxyamphetamine, a psychedelic hallucinogenic drug also known as MDA that’s closely related to ecstasy.

“I would like to apologize to my coaches, teammates, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization, and our great and loyal fans for putting myself in this situation,” Banks said in a statement. “It’s my responsibility to know what’s on the banned substance list and there is no excuse for my violation of the rules.”

The loss of Banks is big for Hamilton (6-9), which trails first-place Ottawa (7-7-1) in the East Division standings. As a result of the suspension, Banks will also miss the Ticats’ home game versus Edmonton (8-7) on Oct. 28.

Hamilton can clinch a playoff berth – and home field for the East semifinal – with a win Friday. The Ticats would also garner second in the conference with a tie and losses this week by both Toronto and Montreal.

Ottawa can also clinch first in the East and home field for the division final with a win over Hamilton.

Banks will be eligible to return to Hamilton’s lineup Nov. 5 for its regular-season finale against Montreal at Tim Hortons Field.

The five-foot-seven, 157pound Banks has 29 catches for 355 yards and four TDs this season.