Sandor Earl suspended after drug investigation

Canberra’s Sandor Earl has been issued with an Infraction Notice by the NRL and he has accepted an immediate provisional suspension for breaches of the League’s Anti-Doping Policy.

The provisional suspension follows evidence relating to Earl obtained by the NRL relating to the use and trafficking of the peptide CJC 1295 and other prohibited substances.

Earl, 23, has agreed to continue to assist with the investigation and is seeking to obtain the benefit of substantial assistance provisions.

NRL Chief Executive Dave Smith said today that the news is a clear reminder of the significance of ASADA’s ongoing investigations:

“Today’s development reinforces the position we have taken from the outset and highlights our resolve in dealing with what are serious issues.

“We continue to work with ASADA, the government authority in anti-doping, to get to the bottom of all allegations.

“We will act on evidence when it is fully available.

“I stress that we do not have evidence at this stage that would warrant any further action against any individual or club.

“Our resolve on these issues remain clear.

“There is no place for drugs in our game and the sweeping actions we have taken in relation to new drug testing and the formation of the integrity unit this year underline our commitment in that area.

“The rights and welfare of the players also remains paramount and we continue to provide both welfare and legal support to them throughout this process.

“We want a safe environment for our players and that means a sport where there is no place for performance enhancing drugs and no place for people who take risks with the well-being of athletes.

“We remain committed to a drug-free sport.”

In an official satement from the Raiders, their CEO Don Furner said:

“The club understands the allegations made against Sandor Earl relate to a time prior to his arrival at the club.”

There is no further comment at this time.