Riders lineman Bruce Campbell suspended for drug violation

Jan 16, 2018 | 1:42 PM

The CFL has suspended Roughriders offensive lineman Bruce Campbell after a positive drug test.

Campbell, who played 12 regular season games and two playoff games for the club, was found to have the banned substance Ibutamoren in his system.

Ibutamoren is considered a growth hormone and not permitted in the CFL.

“First, I would like to apologize to the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and my teammates for putting them in this position,” Campbell said in a statement released by the Riders. “I’d also like to apologize to Rider fans and fans across the league. I take full responsibility for my actions and ensure you it will not happen again. I accept the Canadian Football League decision and will not be appealing the two-game suspension.”

The positive test was found in November, the Riders said in a release Tuesday morning.

“We are disappointed to learn that a member of our team has committed a violation. We have spoken with Bruce and he has taken ownership of his decision and realizes the impact of this violation,” said head coach and general manager Chris Jones in the same emailed release from the club.

Campbell is a pending free agent, but still a Roughrider until Feb. 13, 2018.

He will be required to sit out the first two games of the season if he’s re-signed by the Roughriders, or picked up by any other CFL team.