League 1 forward receives long-term drugs ban
Former Rochdale Hornets forward Callum Marriott has received a three-year ban from all sport after testing positive for two banned substances.
The UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed the suspension on Monday, having collected an out-of-competition urine sample in February 2022.
The sample returned positive results for ostarine and metabolites of GW1516 in his system.
Marriott had re-signed with Rochdale for the 2022 season, but only made six appearances. The forward originally joined the club during the 2019 season from amateur outfit Rochdale Mayfield.
On May 4 2022, UKAD notified Marriott of the results with a provisional suspension from all sports. On June 27, 2022, Marriott accepted the asserted period of ineligibility.
In accordance with ADR article 10.8.1, Marriott was able to reduce the four-year asserted period of ineligibility to three-years.
His suspension will expire at midnight on May 3, 2025.
Rugby Football League issue statement on Callum Marriott
Speaking on the case, UKAD director of operations, Pat Myhill said: “Athletes have a responsibility to themselves, their team-mates, and the sport to make sure that they are adhering to the anti-doping rules.
“Athletes are reminded that they are solely responsible for what goes into their bodies.
“Supplements are never 100% risk-free and may contain prohibited substances, which is why we recommend to athletes that they put food first and approach supplements with caution.”
The Rugby Football League added, “The RFL continues to work closely with UKAD to ensure that rugby league players at all levels can be sure that the sport is clean and fair.
“Through education, we make clear to all players that doping is unacceptable, and they are responsible for ensuring that they adhere to the rules – and that the testing programme will catch out transgressors, and impose stiff penalties.
“In this instance, the punishment has been modified as a result of a prompt admission of liability.”
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