Redblacks receiver suspended under CFL doping policy

Ottawa Redblacks receiver Seth Coate has been suspended for two-games after testing positive for a banned substance, SARM LGD-4033 metabolite, under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League and the Canadian Football League Players' Association.

This is Coate's first doping violation. A second violation would put him in line for a nine-game suspension. A third would see Coate suspended for a year, and a lifetime ban for a fourth violation.

“We were recently informed that Redblacks practice roster player Seth Coate tested positive for a banned substance,” said General Manager Marcel Desjardins. “We understand that this is likely the result of an over-the-counter supplement taken by the player before he was a member of the club. While we accept the penalty imposed by the CFL, we know the kind of person and player we have in Seth Coate and the REDBLACKS organization stands firm in its support for him.”
  
Coate said, “I was very upset and disappointed to learn that I recently tested positive for a substance that is banned in the CFL.”

“This was most likely the result of a supplement I took back in January when I was working full-time and I had no idea I was going to be playing football ever again,” he explained. “Needless to say, I feel terrible for having put myself and my team in a difficult position and for that I sincerely apologize. I am very proud to be part of this organization and would never intentionally do anything to jeopardize that. Since joining the REDBLACKS I have been extremely careful about what goes into my body and that dedication and attention will continue going forward.”

Under the CFL's policy, a suspended player cannot participate in regular season or post-season games. It is up to the club to determine whether a suspended player can participate in other team activities, such as practices and meetings. 

The Redblacks take on the Argonauts in Toronto, Thursday night.