The Ontario University Athletics football conference has already discussed changes on its 2010 game schedule after the University of Waterloo pulled out its team from the competition due to the alarming result of the steroid tests. The university decided to suspend the Waterloo Warriors football team from playing in the next season while they are conducting internal investigation on the matter. Although not all football players who returned a positive test or confessed taking banned substances were named, the large number is a major concern for the university. Of the 62 players tested for steroids, 9 players tested positive, confessed or did not follow the protocol.

UW vice-president of academics Feridun Hamdullahpur said that the positive tests were just too many and they want to send a strong message to student athletes. “For all new students coming to Waterloo to study and also participate in athletics, this had to be heard loud and clear.” He said that using banned substances will not be tolerated by the school.

After the announcement on Monday, some football players and coaches were disappointed with the decision of the school administration. They argued that the entire team should not be punished for the violations committed by some players. However, the school is already committed to know the real problem in the football team especially on the use of performance enhancing drugs. Hamdullahpur said that they are standing by the decision and added that it has the support of the university of Waterloo President David Johnston and the Board of Governors of the university. “It was a tough decision. It was the right decision,” said Hamdullahpur.

UW athletic director Bob Copeland also supports the decision of the university. “We categorically and fully support all the sanctions. We need to take a step back with our football program before we can go forward,” said Copeland. The athletic director empathizes with the players but they have to understand that the university wants to protect the health of the students and also concerned about the reputation of the institution. “Sometimes the actions of a few affect many. This is bigger than the football team. It’s about the health of the students and the integrity of the institution. We hope this sends a strong message to other programs,” Copeland told The Record.

The investigation will focus on how steroids, HGH and other banned substance were able to seep into the university football team. Part of the objectives of the investigation is on how to prevent the same problem from happening again. The findings are expected to be finalized end of summer. Copeland said that the team will be back in competition in 2011 season.

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport revealed that there are 4 admissions of use, 3 positive tests, 1 refused test and 1 pending case because of an on-going police investigation. Linebacker Joe Surgenor is one of those who admitted that he is using the anabolic steroid winstrol.

Another linebacker Jordan Meredith tested positive for a banned substance. Anti-doping authorities found in his system Tamoxifen. This drug is commonly used by athletes after steroid cycles to avoid the side effects of steroids. Meredith already waived his right for a hearing and admitted to his doping. Surgenor and Meredith both received 2-year suspension. The names of other players were withheld because of drug management protocol that should be observed. Under the rules, athletes should be notified first of their rights and options before releasing their names to the public. They can still contest the result.

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