Liam Richards/Electric Umbrella
Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive lineman Bruce Campbell was suspended for two games by the CFL on Tuesday for violating the CFL/CFLPA drug policy.
Campbell, a 29-year-old product of New Haven, Conn., tested positive for a banned substance — the synthetic growth hormone Ibutamoren. The sample was collected during a random test in November.
Under the terms of the league’s drug policy, a player faces a two-game suspension for his first doping violation, a nine-game suspension for his second positive test, a one-year ban for his third infraction, and a lifetime suspension for his fourth violation. This is Campbell’s first violation.
The 6-foot-7, 317-pound Campbell began his CFL career in 2015 with the Toronto Argonauts. The Roughriders acquired him in a trade in February of 2016, but he retired before the 2016 season began.
The product of the University of Maryland came out of retirement in June of 2017 and started 12 regular-season games, the East Division semifinal and the East final at left tackle last season. He’s eligible to become a free agent Feb. 13.
“First, I would like to apologize to the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and my teammates for putting them in this position,” Campbell said in a statement issued by the team. “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.”
A suspended player can’t participate in his team’s games, but it’s up to the club to decide if he can attend meetings and practices.
“As an organization, we fully support the CFL and CFLPA policy to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs,” Saskatchewan head coach-GM Chris Jones said in the media release.
“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.”
According to the CFL, players who test positive will face mandatory drug testing and must take part in an assessment and clinical evaluation to decide if they need additional counselling.
The league’s random testing is conducted throughout the year.
