U of R Ram facing possible doping violation

A University of Regina Rams football player is facing an anti-doping rule violation after steroids were found during a drug test.

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced Thursday that a urine sample taken from linebacker Michael Stefanovic contained drostanolone, an anabolic steroid. The sample was taken during out-of-competition doping control at the CFL Western Regional Combine in March.

Stefanovic removed himself from this year’s draft. The CFL said he will be eligible in 2018.

Under the rules of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, Stefanovic is pursuing a hearing to contest CCES’ assertion of a violation. He does not have a violation at this time but has been suspended until the matter is resolved by an independent arbitrator.

“Obviously, we are extremely concerned that one of our student-athletes has tested positive for anabolic steroids,” Tanya Reynoldson, interim director of athletics at the U of R, said in a news release. “While the adverse analytical finding is discouraging and we await the final outcome, we will continue to make significant efforts to educate our student-athletes about the consequences of using performance-enhancing substances.”

The U of R said it conducts drug education seminars annually for all student-athletes through programs offered by the CCES.

Stefanovic’s case remains open until the conclusion of the hearing and any appeals.