TORONTO — Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros has been suspended one game for failure to respond to Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) officials for an off-season drug test.
Feels like refusing to blow for an alcohol test. Probably guilty but better to just let people speculate.
There’ll be lots of that going on.
He was probably out gambling with Shawn Lemon and didn’t want to be disturbed. If he’s taking PED’s to beef up he isn’t doing a very good job of it.
Only 2 possibilities. His car broke down on way to test, or more likely; he is hiding something
I want to reply to this news story but I am at a loss for words. You didn’t call back within 24 hours during the off season; so, no soup for you - you are suspended for 1 game
Even the CRA is more lenient… whatever, but Oh oh, here comes the Wambulance 
Honestly trying to contact a player in the middle of the off-season and expecting a 24 hour response time is pretty unreasonable, considering how easy it is to be off the grid or in another country.
Under the current drug policy, CCES officials have not been allowed to contact teams as a means of reaching a player who does not respond to requests for testing. That rule has been changed starting next off-season, so CCES will be able to request the help of teams to reach players who do not initially respond.
As per Naylor’s reporting, the league and PA acknowledging a fault in the system. Still handing a suspension is a bit underhanded, but at least it gives the Bombers a chance to see who will one day fill Collaros’ shoes.
I also believe, if a player shows up late for dinner…no dessert.
The short notice is there specifically to prevent players from masking a substance or purging it from their system. This is standard procedure for Olympic athletes.
They all know what they sign up for. The PA knows the rules, the players are given education on it. Our Olympic athletes deal with much worse.
I would agree in principle, however does ZC have a feasible alibi which would place him unreachable? Otherwise let the suspension stand
Can’t have areas of grey in drug testing. It would need to be an incredible alibi, not the dog ate my cell phone
Considering this is the first instance I can think of of this type of suspension I’d imagine this policy has not been an issue before.
The article suggests that there were some mitigating circumstances and that the league compromised as a result. So there was something from Zach’s end that the league gave credence to, although we don’t know what. I suggested possibly being on a party spree with Shawn Lemon. Maybe he was incommunicado with Mahomes and Rodgers in a yurt in a rainforest?
This is a big nothing burger, although I do expect some more criticisms, whether warranted or not, from those clutching their pearls.
Yes, I’d say a variable alibi… perhaps on vacation in a cabin in the woods where cell service is unavailable. Just an example…but as I said otherwise let the suspension stand.
The Winnipeg Free Press has an article with the details. You are correct regarding the pearl clutchers. They won’t be convinced otherwise.
This is once again the CFL tripping over itself. Their communication protocols are ridiculous. Instead of calling the player, call the team office if there is no response. Zach is and has always been clean as a whistle regarding performance enhancing drugs. The CLF’s inability to communicate effectively and their arbitrary punishment against players is utterly disrespectful. I would say, test Zach now. Those drugs they accuse him of don’t disappear overnight.
These are the rules and as a vet, he should know them. I believe the typical suspension here is two games so if anything he got off lightly.
Anyway, moving on. I’m sure he won’t fail to respond to a drug test notification again.
Yeah it looks to be more procedural that both the League and the PA need to address. Doesn’t look dirty on the surface but we’ll see what the extenuating circumstances are.
Outside of salary for the one game, hardly a dent.
Great explanation. Definitely a nothing burger. I would bet anything that Zach doesn’t take PED’s.
I totally understand him not answering his phone or texts or emails. I have done the same thing for decades as it would drive me nuts and often be impossible to do so. I will never respond to any number I do not know and currently have 84 voicemails on my phone I have not listened to or will return. Clearly a weakness in the CFL policy as they basically admitted by changing the policy and cutting the usual suspension in half, although in my opinion even that is too harsh.