The Canadian Football League announced on Wednesday that it has suspended Zach Collaros of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers one regular-season game for failing to respond to requests for drug testing by officials from the Canadian Centre fo Ethics in Sports (CEES).
Following the league annoucement, the Blue Bombers released this statement:
Winnipeg Blue Bombers President and CEO, Wade Miller, has issued the following statement regarding today’s ruling on the one game suspension of quarterback Zach Collaros.
“Zach Collaros is one of the most respected leaders in our locker room and across the CFL. He’s a professional in every sense—committed, accountable, and a true example of what it means to be a Blue Bomber.
There was no intent for wrongdoing by Zach—just a missed step in the process. Both the CFL and CFLPA have since clarified and improved their communication protocols to help ensure this doesn’t happen to other players in the CFL.
Zach will miss our first regular season game but will continue to fully participate in training camp and preseason games. As an organization, we’re also reviewing and strengthening how we support players in navigating offseason requirements.
Zach remains an incredibly valued leader on and off the field, and we look forward to having him back under centre on June 21.”
A statement released by the CFL says the centre attempted to reach him twice by phone, once by text and once by email over a two-hour period and did not reply within the required 24-hour period.
Under terms of his suspension, Collaros will be allowed to practice and participate in all team activities, including exhibition games, besides the one regular season game.
Winnipeg has a week one bye and will open the regular season hosting the BC Lions June 12th.