U of R Rams standout loses awards over positive pot test

After becoming the first ever University of Regina Rams player to be named the national rookie of the year, Regina-born linebacker Nick Cross is having his awards taken away after testing positive for cannabis.

The positive test came on Oct. 28, 2017, while Cross was in Vancouver for a game against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

Pot is currently classified as a prohibited substance according to the Canadian Centre for Ethics (CCES) in Sports.
The CCES first reported the violation in January.

In a statement from January, U of R officials indicated they supported the decision by the CCES and were strongly opposed to any of their athletes using banned substances.

“This is a stern reminder for our student-athletes that even though the Canadian government has introduced legislation to allow the recreational use of cannabis, it will still remain one of many legally acquired substances that are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency,” the statement read.

“Nick remains a greatly valued member of the Rams and University of Regina Athletics families. We look forward to seeing him on the field for his second U SPORTS season this fall.”

Cross was able to return to team activities on Jan. 4, 2018, following a two-month suspension.

Canada West announced Calgary Dinos offensive lineman Tyler Packer was the new rookie of the year for the conference. Dinos Linebacker Cyril Iwanegbe was also named a Canada West all-star to replace Cross.

U SPORTS announced the Peter Gorman trophy for national rookie of the year will go to Waterloo Warriors quarterback Tre Ford. Carleton Ravens defensive end Kene Onyeka is also being named a first-team all-Canadian.