AFL Players involved in drug scandals

AFL PLAYERS CAUGHT WITH RECREATIONAL OR PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS:

1997 – JUSTIN CHARLES

The Richmond ruckman tests positive to steroids, specifically boldenone, which he injected in the bathroom of his parent’s house. Charles was suspended for 16 games by the AFL. After testing positive he famously went straight to the AFL to tell them, before anyone else could.

1998 – ALASTAIR LYNCH

While suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the Brisbane Lions full forward had been prescribed DHEA, a drug approved for use by doctors at the time. It was subsequently put on the banned list and when Lynch found out he self-reported. He was charged by the AFL, but served no suspension.

1999 – NICHOLAS STONE

The West Coast Eagle tested positive for amphetamines, but contended a drink had been spiked without his knowledge. He was suspended for six weeks.

2004 – LAURENCE ANGWIN

Angwin was sacked by Carlton after allegedly turning up to training under the influence of a drug, believed to be ecstasy. Angwin denied the charge but failed his drug test. Carlton tore up his contract.

2007 – BEN COUSINS

The AFL banned West Coast star and Brownlow Medallist Ben Cousins under a charge of bringing the game into disrepute. Cousins had been sacked a month earlier by the Eagles after being arrested on two drug-related charges by West Australian police. In a TV tell-all Cousins described his drug of choice as cocaine.

2007 – TWO UNNAMED PLAYERS

Channel 7 reported that two AFL players, allegedly from Hawthorn, had counselling for drug use. The medical records, which were shown with the players’ names obscured, said the players had tested positive to ecstasy, ice and cocaine.

2010 – TRAVIS TUCK

Suspended for 12 matches after he was found to have overdosed on party drug GBH. The Hawthorn player was found unconscious in his vehicle near the suburb of Berwick by police.

2012 – ESSENDON

The ASADA supplements scandal, which alleged that a large number of Essendon players took banned peptides as the club pushed for greater size and strength. The saga is ongoing.

2013 – AHMED SAAD

The St Kilda youngster tested positive for banned substance Methyl Synephrine HCL contained in an energy drink he consumed before a game. Saad admitted to having ingested the substance at earlier dates, but was unaware it was illegal. Saad was banned for 18 months.

2015 – RYAN CROWLEY

The Fremantle tagger, who had been absent from Dockers pre-season activities, announced that he tested positive to a banned substance. An investigation and AFL hearing is set to commence – it is suspected Crowley may have taken a painkiller that was not known of by the club doctor.

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