Elks draft pick Darien Newell receives one-year suspension for violating the CFL substance policy

Edmonton Elks draft pick Darien Newell has been given a year-long ban by the CFL for a series of doping infractions.

The Queen’s defensive lineman was Edmonton’s second-round pick in Tuesday night’s draft.

“The Edmonton Elks organization was aware of Darien Newell’s impending suspension before selecting him on Tuesday night. Throughout the draft process, we completed our due diligence on Darien and came away satisfied with both the person and the player,” stated Edmonton Elks Vice-President of Football Operations & General Manager Ed Hervey.

“The organization is committed to supporting Darien throughout this process, and we look forward to when he can join the Green and Gold.”

According to the CFL, Newell was selected for a random test March 19 while participating in the league’s national combine.

His sample tested positive for nine banned substances, including Boldenone, Nandrolone, Drostanolone and Norclostebol, all forms of steroids.

“I believe that the substances in question came from products I took while attending my pro day in Buffalo, where I did not have access to my usual supplements. I did not knowingly or intentionally use a product that violated the league’s substance policy. Still, as an athlete, I must take full accountability for everything I put in my body,” said Darien Newell in a statement.

“This experience has taught me how important it is to be diligent and thorough moving forward. I’ve taken steps to ensure this never happens again, and I’m committed to maintaining the highest standard of professionalism as I enter the next chapter of my career. I will accept the league’s ruling and put this incident behind me. I’m thankful to the Edmonton Elks organization for believing in me, and I’m ready to get to work and earn everything that comes next.”