Calgary Stampeders’ receiver Richie Sindani has been suspended two games for violating the CFL and CFL Player’s Association joint drug policy, the league announced Friday.
The native of Regina, Saskatchewan tested positive for the banned substances Methandienone and Stanozolol, both anabolic steroids.
Under the terms of the CFL’s drug policy, players who test positive or fail to provide a sample face a two-game suspension for a first violation, a nine-game suspension for a second violation, a one-year suspension for a third violation, and a lifetime ban for a fourth violation.
The Stampeders released the following statement regarding Sindani’s suspension:
The Calgary Stampeders fully support the joint policy on performance-enhancing drugs and we were very disappointed when informed of Richie’s violation. The team trusts he will learn from his mistake and avoid another occurrence. This incident once again proves players need to be fully cognizant about the supplements they are taking.
The team will have no further comment on the matter.
Sindani played 13 games in 2022, catching 26 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown. Originally selected in the eighth round of the 2017 CFL Draft, the six-foot-two, 220-pound target has hauled in 92 receptions for 986 yards and three touchdowns in 60 career games with Calgary.
The 27-year-old will not be able to participate in regular season game action for the duration of his suspension. His team can decide whether or not to allow him to participate in other team activities, such as training camp, preseason games, practices and meetings.
All players are subject to mandatory drug testing following a positive result and are required to participate in an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if additional counselling is needed. The policy mandates a total number of tests equal to the number of players in the CFL. Testing is ongoing and is conducted year-round.
Sindani is currently a pending free agent and is set to hit the open market next month if he is not re-signed.
