Riders’ Marcus Thigpen suspended for positive banned substance test

Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Marcus Thigpen has been suspended for two-games after testing positive for a banned substance (Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone), under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association (CFLPA).

Players who test positive will face a two-game suspension for a first doping 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.

Under the policy, a suspended player cannot participate in regular or post-season games. It is up to the Club to determine whether that player can participate in other team activities, such as minicamp, training camp, practices and meetings. Thigpen will be eligible to take part in pre-season games.

All players will be subject to mandatory drug testing once testing positive and will participate in an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if they need additional counselling.

The policy mandates a total number of random tests equal to 100% of the players in the CFL.

Random testing is ongoing and is conducted year-round.

Thigpen is the second Riders-related player to test positive for a banned substance this off-season after offensive lineman Bruce Campbell was caught in January.