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Cannabis a no-no for NRL players
By DEAN RITCHIE
February 01, 2006
THE National Rugby League has adopted a controversial drug policy where players testing positive to cannabis will now be banned from playing.
NRL officials last night told The Daily Telegraph marijuana users face a 12 month suspension while repeat offenders will be banished for two years.
Former and current players were divided over the NRL's decision.
"Marijuana is a performance reducing drug - I don't know why they are testing for it?," said former NSW and Australian player Geoff Toovey.
NRL management introduced the ban after adopting the World Anti-Doping Authority drug policy. The names of any player who tests positive will be displayed on the WADA website for the public to view.
Previously, players testing positive to cannabis were not suspended.
"It is one of the changes we have made in compliance with the WADA policy," said NRL director of media and communications John Brady.
"Anything that reminds players about the importance of avoiding drugs is a positive."
Sydney Roosters and Australian fullback Anthony Minichiello backed the ban.
"It (marijuana) is a banned substance - it's illegal to smoke it," said Minichiello. "If they want to ban it then fine."
One NRL club wrote a report to players claiming cannabis "can persist in your system for weeks following use." The report then stressed: "Don't use it at all".
Players could escape with a warning under extraordinary circumstances. It is also understood players must notify the NRL, ARL or NSWRL about using asthma medications.
Players failing to report using puffers could receive a two year ban. Former Australian captain Laurie Daley is also a supporter of drug testing, saying; "I'm an advocate for zero tolerance."
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,17998662-5001023,00.html
By DEAN RITCHIE
February 01, 2006
THE National Rugby League has adopted a controversial drug policy where players testing positive to cannabis will now be banned from playing.
NRL officials last night told The Daily Telegraph marijuana users face a 12 month suspension while repeat offenders will be banished for two years.
Former and current players were divided over the NRL's decision.
"Marijuana is a performance reducing drug - I don't know why they are testing for it?," said former NSW and Australian player Geoff Toovey.
NRL management introduced the ban after adopting the World Anti-Doping Authority drug policy. The names of any player who tests positive will be displayed on the WADA website for the public to view.
Previously, players testing positive to cannabis were not suspended.
"It is one of the changes we have made in compliance with the WADA policy," said NRL director of media and communications John Brady.
"Anything that reminds players about the importance of avoiding drugs is a positive."
Sydney Roosters and Australian fullback Anthony Minichiello backed the ban.
"It (marijuana) is a banned substance - it's illegal to smoke it," said Minichiello. "If they want to ban it then fine."
One NRL club wrote a report to players claiming cannabis "can persist in your system for weeks following use." The report then stressed: "Don't use it at all".
Players could escape with a warning under extraordinary circumstances. It is also understood players must notify the NRL, ARL or NSWRL about using asthma medications.
Players failing to report using puffers could receive a two year ban. Former Australian captain Laurie Daley is also a supporter of drug testing, saying; "I'm an advocate for zero tolerance."
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,17998662-5001023,00.html
