Canberra Raiders winger first player in rugby league to outed by anti-drugs campaign.
Canberra Raiders winger Sandor Earl has been suspended by the NRL for the use and trafficking of illegal drugs in the NRL.
League boss Dave Smith called a snap press conference with speculation swirling as to what the primary talking point would be, with many tipping the Cronulla Sharks investigation to come to a head.
However, the Sharks were spared as Earl and the Raiders steppe into the spotlight, with the back the first player named as part of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s investigation into doping in the NRL.
In his press conference Earl is said to have trafficked illegal peptide CJC-1295, with Smith saying punishment had to be handed down.
“He has accepted an immediate provisional suspension for breaches of the league anti-doping policy.
“Under the rules, he can accept the penalty or elect to go to a hearing. There is no place for drugs in our game.
Smith said the admission from Early came in the last 48 hours.
“As of today we do not have evidence that warrants actions against any other parties.
“Today’s development reinforces the position we’ve taken from the outset and highlights our resolve in dealing with a serious issue.
“The investigation is on going and I am very happy with the cooperation of our players.”
After recently joining the Raiders from the Panthers, Smith said he would not comment on questions about if the infractions occurred while Earl was playing for Penrith or Canberra.
Chief Operating Officer Jim Doyle said charges of trafficking drugs could carry a ban of between four years to life from the NRL for Earl and any other player found guilty of the offence, while use of drugs could see Earl out of the game for two years.
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