BOMBERS’ HARRIS TESTS POSITIVE FOR BANNED SUBSTANCE
TORONTO – Running back Andrew Harris of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has been suspended for two games following a positive drug test, the CFL announced Monday.
According to the league, Harris tested positive for Metandienone, which is a banned substance.
In a statement, Harris said he was tested March 1, July 2 and again July 12. It was after the third test that Harris added he was notified of the positive result.
Harris, a three-time CFL all-star and the league’s top Canadian in 2017, said he never knowingly took a banned substance. Harris has helped Winnipeg (8-2) to spot in the West Division standings.
“Throughout my four years playing here in Winnipeg, I have been drug tested more than any other player on our team to the point that it has become a running joke within our locker room,” Harris said. “I’m still in shock and disbelief at the news.
“The timeline makes it very clear – I was not using a banned substance for performance enhancing purposes, nor was I aware that I was taking any supplements with any banned substances in them. Based on the fact pattern, this is clearly a case of product contamination.”
CFL players testing positive for the first time face a two-game suspension.
Both Harris’s A and B samples came back positive, meaning he has already appealed and therefore must accept the suspension.
Harris, a 32-year-old Winnipeg native, is currently the CFL’s rushing leader with 908 yards on 141 carries (6.4-yard average) with three TDs. His suspension comes at a bad time for the Bombers as starting quarterback Matt Nichols went on the six-game injured list last week with an upper-body ailment.
Harris, who came to the CFL in ’09 from the Canadian junior ranks, said he’s never been one to look for shortcuts.
“My road to becoming a starter in the CFL was extremely difficult, and I take a lot of pride in the honest blue collar work I’ve put in to reach this point in my career,” he said. “As unsettling and painful as this is to me and my family, I hope this can be a helpful reminder to all athletes about being extremely cautious and aware of what they are taking and putting into their bodies.”
Harris also apologized to the Bombers for the positive test.
“I can’t wait to rejoin my teammates and the city of Winnipeg in our quest to bring a Grey Cup to this wonderful city that I am fortunate enough to call home,” he said.
Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said he stands firmly behind his player.
“As someone who has coached Andrew for four seasons now, I know firsthand the hard work and dedication he puts into his career as a true professional,” O’Shea said in a statement. “Andrew has been tested eight times since becoming a member of the Blue Bombers, three times this season, including 10 days prior to the test that came back positive.
“While this is an extremely unfortunate situation, I support Andrew and look forward to his return in a few weeks.”
Harris will miss both of Winnipeg’s upcoming games against the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-3).
“The Winnipeg Blue Bombers fully support the CFL’s policy on performance enhancing drugs and have fully co-operated with the CFL in regard to this matter,” said club president/CEO Wade Miller. “The Winnipeg Football Club also supports Andrew Harris through this extremely difficult and unfortunate situation.
“We look forward to Andrew re-joining us on the field for game days following the bye week.”
(Canadian Press)
Get ready to see the word “asterisk” a lot on social media. After we spank the Bombers twice it’s the only thing that fanbase of stable geniuses will be saying the rest of the year.
As a person who has several very active friends and family members. All of which are having trouble growing older. Have made me aware of the name of this substance. This substance helps to heal the human body at a substantially faster rate. Sadly a lot of active guys or athletes in their 30’s use the substance Metandienone to keep up with the 23 to 28 year olds. Who just happen to be in their physical prime. They bounce back so much quicker. Metandienone, also known as Dianabol is an androgen and anabolic steroid medication. It really is no longer… Read more »
Well that explains a lot. This taints everything he has done in his career. Once a cheater always a cheater. It’s dissapointing the league is only suspending him 2 games for such behaviour.
Harris is a cheater and so are the Bombers. Ya right Andrew you knew nothing about this and you are just as surprised as the rest of us!!! Then why do you look tipped like a body builder Andrew???? Heeeeeheeeee
No regulation in the supplement industry means possibility of intentional (and unreported/mislabeled) “contamination” by manufacturers of inferior products, but it also means you have a good alibi if you get caught with the substance.
REAL MEN EAT WHEAT!!!