Magpies hit by drug scandal
The AFL is bracing for another drugs shock with reports two Collingwood players have test positive to performance enhancing substances.
The league confirmed it had been notified by ASADA that Magpies Lachlan Keeffe and Josh Thomas were the players involved.
"The nature of the substance – Clenbuterol - for the failed test requires the two players to be immediately provisionally suspended," said AFL media manager Patrick Keane in a statement.
"The AFL notes that only the A sample has been tested and the players have the right to request an analysis of their B sample.
"The analysis of the B sample is currently scheduled for 14 April 2015. Under the code, players have consented to release of this statement.
"It’s important to note that until the outcome of the B sample is known, the commencement of the provisional suspension is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, but a procedural requirement under the AFL Anti-Doping Code.”
It is another drug scandal the AFL could do without.
Earlier this month it was confirmed Fremantle's Ryan Crowley had tested positive to a prohibited substance. He faces the AFL Tribunal in May.
And Essendon will know tomorrow whether 34 former and current players will be sanctioned over the club's supplements saga.
Clenbuterol was the drug that cost Spain's Alberto Contadaor the 2010 Tour de France.
It was developed to treat equine asthma but because of its anabolic properties it has become a popular slimming and bodybuilding drug, known as the "size zero pill".
Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert was at pains to point out the positive tests were not related to the club's practices.
"It is important for Collingwood to communicate to its supporters that the club has conducted a forensic audit of its tightly controlled dietary and nutrition program (which is overseen by its Integrity Officer) and is completely satisfied the positive results are in no way connected to the program," the statement said.
"Collingwood is wholly committed to upholding the WADA anti-doping policy and the cause of eradicating performance enhancing drugs from sport.
Pert added the club - and the players - were shocked at the revelations.
"We are talking about two of the highest quality young men in our program. I think everyone would have felt the same surprise," he said.
"My role was to make sure that we got hold of the players, linked them up with ASADA and allowed ASADA to go through the process.
"The only thing that we can control is what happens as part of our program."
Pert said he asked ASADA if there were any other players involved and was told no.
