Two more names of football players from the University of Waterloo Warriors were released to the public by the Canadian Center for Ethics and Sports. Out of the 62 players tested by the regulatory body, 9 players failed because of a positive steroid test, failure to follow the protocols and some of them admitted to taking anabolic steroids even before the test is conducted. In the first press release, two players were named by CCES because they already signed a waiver and accepted the consequences of their positive urine tests. Linebacker Joe Surgenor admitted that he took Winstrol while linebacker Jordon Meredith tested positive for a banned substance Tamoxifen. It is a drug commonly used after a steroid cycle to lessen the effects of steroids. Both were given 2 year suspensions.

On Friday, the CCES identified two more names from the football team. They were linebackers Matt Peto and Eric Polini. Their names were released to the public because they already decided not to contest the results of the test. According to online sources, 3rd year linebacker Matt Peto admitted to the anti-doping authorities that he used steroids even before the players were notified of the team-wide testing on March 31. This is the reason why he was only given a 1-year suspension. First year linebacker Eric Polini was given a 2-year suspension because his admission was only made when the testing is being carried out.

This steroid controversy in Canadian football started when UW receiver Nathan Zettler was arrested for trafficking anabolic steroids and other criminal charges. As the investigation unfolds, another team member was arrested. Linebacker Brandon Krukowski was also charged with possession and trafficking of anabolic steroids.

The CCES collected a total of 61 urine samples and 20 blood samples. CCES officials told the media that one of the results of their blood testing showed an adverse finding. It came from the 9 players who failed the urine testing. The agency did not revealed the type of drug found in the blood sample but many are speculating that it could be human growth hormone or the blood boosting drug EPO. These drugs are only detected in blood testing.

According to CCES President Paul Melia the results from the testing of the University of Waterloo football team are significant, and neither the CCES nor the CIS can afford to be complacent in their wake. “When athletes cheat by doping, they are not only endangering their own health, but their actions, unfortunately, cast a shadow of doubt and cynicism over the achievements of others,” Melia added.

The University of Waterloo released a statement that they will continue the program after the completion of internal investigation. This is in response to the clamor of other players to lift the suspension for the entire football team. Many players are saying that the decision of the University is unfair to those who followed the rules. The university’s director of communications, Martin van Nierop said that the program will continue and all the full-time coaches will return to work. The coaches can start the training with the remaining football players this fall.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS