Running back Andrew Harris of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has been suspended for two games following a positive drug test, the CFL announced Monday.
According to the league, Harris tested positive for Metandienone, which is a banned substance.
In a statement, Harris said he was tested March 1, July 2 and again July 12. It was after the third test that Harris added he was notified of the positive result.
Harris, a three-time CFL all-star and the leagueB次元官网网址檚 top Canadian in 2017, said he never knowingly took a banned substance. Harris has helped Winnipeg (8-2) to spot in the West Division standings.
B次元官网网址淭hroughout my four years playing here in Winnipeg, I have been drug tested more than any other player on our team to the point that it has become a running joke within our locker room,B次元官网网址� Harris said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 still in shock and disbelief at the news.
B次元官网网址淭he timeline makes it very clear B次元官网网址� I was not using a banned substance for performance enhancing purposes, nor was I aware that I was taking any supplements with any banned substances in them. Based on the fact pattern, this is clearly a case of product contamination.B次元官网网址�
Statements from President & CEO Wade Miller, Head Coach Mike OB次元官网网址橲hea, and running back Andrew Harris.
B次元官网网址� WPG Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers)
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CFL players testing positive for the first time face a two-game suspension.
Both HarrisB次元官网网址檚 A and B samples came back positive, meaning he has already appealed and therefore must accept the suspension.
Harris, a 32-year-old Winnipeg native, is currently the CFLB次元官网网址檚 rushing leader with 908 yards on 141 carries (6.4-yard average) with three TDs. His suspension comes at a bad time for the Bombers as starting quarterback Matt Nichols went on the six-game injured list last week with an upper-body ailment.
Harris, who came to the CFL in B次元官网网址�09 from the Canadian junior ranks, said heB次元官网网址檚 never been one to look for shortcuts.
B次元官网网址淢y road to becoming a starter in the CFL was extremely difficult, and I take a lot of pride in the honest blue collar work IB次元官网网址檝e put in to reach this point in my career,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎s unsettling and painful as this is to me and my family, I hope this can be a helpful reminder to all athletes about being extremely cautious and aware of what they are taking and putting into their bodies.B次元官网网址�
Harris also apologized to the Bombers for the positive test.
B次元官网网址淚 canB次元官网网址檛 wait to rejoin my teammates and the city of Winnipeg in our quest to bring a Grey Cup to this wonderful city that I am fortunate enough to call home,B次元官网网址� he said.
Bombers head coach Mike OB次元官网网址橲hea said he stands firmly behind his player.
B次元官网网址淎s someone who has coached Andrew for four seasons now, I know firsthand the hard work and dedication he puts into his career as a true professional,B次元官网网址� OB次元官网网址橲hea said in a statement. B次元官网网址淎ndrew has been tested eight times since becoming a member of the Blue Bombers, three times this season, including 10 days prior to the test that came back positive.
B次元官网网址淲hile this is an extremely unfortunate situation, I support Andrew and look forward to his return in a few weeks.B次元官网网址�
Harris will miss both of WinnipegB次元官网网址檚 upcoming games against the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-3).
B次元官网网址淭he Winnipeg Blue Bombers fully support the CFLB次元官网网址檚 policy on performance enhancing drugs and have fully co-operated with the CFL in regard to this matter,B次元官网网址� said club president/CEO Wade Miller. B次元官网网址淭he Winnipeg Football Club also supports Andrew Harris through this extremely difficult and unfortunate situation.
B次元官网网址淲e look forward to Andrew re-joining us on the field for game days following the bye week.B次元官网网址�
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