Riders’ Chris Jones ‘disappointed’ in Marcus Thigpen’s positive drug test

Roughriders running back Marcus Thigpen was hit with a two-game ban for a positive drug test Monday.

The sample was collected during a random in-competition test last November.

Saskatchewan head coach Chris Jones provided a statement in the aftermath.

We are disappointed in Marcus and that he has tested positive for a banned substance. We have been in conversation with Marcus and the CFL for clarity and accept the league’s decision and corresponding two-game suspension. Our organization fully supports the CFL/CFLPA policy preventing the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Thigpen rushed for 169 yards and one touchdown in the Riders East semi-final victory over Ottawa when he came off his couch. There’s a 33 per cent chance that was the game Thigpen was pulled aside and tested as Saskatchewan played three November games.

The Riders signed Thigpen as a free agent in September and in November he extended with Saskatchewan through the 2018 season.