14 replies to this topic

[kroy1978]

Oldham Roughyeds centre David Cookson has been handed a six-month suspension after he was found guilty of breaching the RFL's anti-doping regulations.

The 24-year-old provided a sample containing methylhexaneamine.
Cookson has maintained that he did not intend to enhance his performance by the use of a supplement containing the banned stimulant and has been backed publicly by the Championship One club.
His suspension began at the end of August and will expire on 28 February.

Speaking to the club website, Cookson said: "I broke the rule and I take the punishment on the chin.
"UK Anti-Doping and the Rugby Football League both accepted that I was not trying to enhance my performance and that this was an inadvertent error on my part.
“
We supported the player because we recognised that it was not an intentional breach and it was not performance-enhancing
”
Oldham Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton
"I would like to thank the Oldham club, chairman Chris Hamilton and my barrister Daniel Saoul for their support throughout this process.
"It will soon be behind me and I will then be able to focus on the challenges of the new Championship One season that lies ahead."
Hamilton added: "Club policy dictates that we do not condone any breach of doping regulations.
"In this case, however, we supported the player because we recognised that it was not an intentional breach and it was not performance-enhancing.
"All players need to be careful about the use of supplements and we will be making sure all of our players are aware of the risks."

[PooingDog]

It's right and proper that he get a ban, but I think 6 months is a bit harsh, that'll be the best part of Oldham's season. He's taken it inadvertently, which is a bit silly but he's not a cheat.

[roughyed8]

It's right and proper that he get a ban, but I think 6 months is a bit harsh, that'll be the best part of Oldham's season. He's taken it inadvertently, which is a bit silly but he's not a cheat.

The ban Is up on Feb 28th so he will only miss a couple of games, its just a nightmare for players when this stuff is in over the counter energy drinks.

[PooingDog]

That were a short six months

[boro hornet]

So Basically no punishment at all.

[Roughyedz]

It's right and proper that he get a ban, but I think 6 months is a bit harsh, that'll be the best part of Oldham's season. He's taken it inadvertently, which is a bit silly but he's not a cheat.

In any court you are either GUILTY or INNOCENT ................ no grey area ....... inadvertantley ...like Lance Armstrong did ...inadvetrtently you mean ........ LOL ........ feel sorry for the guy , but everyone knows the rules , ALL drugs tell you on the packet what they contain ....... unlike packets of Burgers or Lasagne

[Bedford Roughyed]

In any court you are either GUILTY or INNOCENT ................ no grey area ....... inadvertantley ...like Lance Armstrong did ...inadvetrtently you mean ........ LOL ........ feel sorry for the guy , but everyone knows the rules , ALL drugs tell you on the packet what they contain ....... unlike packets of Burgers or Lasagne

Not as easy as that with doping and testing. The drink he drunk (containing the banned substance) is allowed on any day except match day, he didn't drink it on a matchday but it seems there was enough in his system to show up the next day. Also there have been many cases where substances and their labelling differed quite widely.

[PooingDog]

So Basically no punishment at all.

Was it Fogerty a couple of years ago who had smoked a spliff and was banned but served the entire ban in the off season?

​I do have sympathy with Cookson on this, have a look at the prohibited substance list

http://www.wada-ama.org/Documents/World_Anti-Doping_Program/WADP-Prohibited-list/2013/WADA-Prohibited-List-2013-EN.pdf

[Bedford Roughyed]

They have set sanctions for offences and very rigid rules for how and when a ban takes place. They don't take into account how many matches you will miss.

[roughyedspud]

its such a minefield...

especially for guys at our level who have jobs too....they can't take over the counter cold or flu tablets/syrup...they just have to be ill

[TOSH1960]

We must remember that the 6 months means he has missed all of the pre season training with the rest of the squad and cannot take any active part or his ban will be increased to 2 years. 6 months is more than many others have incurred for such mistakes.

[Roughyedz]

Not as easy as that with doping and testing. The drink he drunk (containing the banned substance) is allowed on any day except match day, he didn't drink it on a matchday but it seems there was enough in his system to show up the next day. Also there have been many cases where substances and their labelling differed quite widely.

That excuse is just like a drink driver saying Ive had nothing to drink TODAY Officer ............not mentioning the 15 pints he had the night before .....and then wondering why he is GUILTY .......... NO GREY AREA ...........
He must have had a hell of a lot of whatever it was to still be in his blood stream the DAY AFTER dont ya think ??????????

[PooingDog]

That excuse is just like a drink driver saying Ive had nothing to drink TODAY Officer ............not mentioning the 15 pints he had the night before .....and then wondering why he is GUILTY .......... NO GREY AREA ...........
He must have had a hell of a lot of whatever it was to still be in his blood stream the DAY AFTER dont ya think ??????????

That's true, but you're assuming that he knew what was in the supplement and that it was a banned substance. It must be hard at this level working a 40Hr week, training and not having a degree in pharmacology.

I still think a ban is right and proper, but I don't think he's a cheat and shouldn't be looked at as such.

[ruffyed]

Totally agree with you Pooing dog ...it was nothing more than a technical offence and the punishment reflects this . It is hardly surprising that Roughyedz takes a different view as in spite of his name he never misses an opportunity to slag off Oldham RLFC or anyone connected with them . He likes nothing more than to stick the boot in when they lose so he must be in a bad mood following the win at the weekend .

Looking forward to the Law Cup on Sunday ....should be a cracking game ...hope there is a good turnout .

[TOSH1960]

Anyone who knows Cookie, knows he's not that sort of lad. He's made a mistake, been punished, now move on!