AFL bans Blues star for ‘use of an illicit substance’
AFL player Lachie Cowan has been suspended for two matches following a hospitalisation related to the use of an illicit substance. The league issued the sanction for conduct unbecoming, despite the official drug policy update not yet being in effect.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of professional athletes' off-field behavior and the evolving nature of drug testing policies in major sports leagues.
- 11.28pm . First published at 5.43am
shares Share article The AFL has confirmed a two-match sanction to Lachie Cowan after the Carlton player was hospitalised after a bizarre incident following a night of partying.
The league announced the two-game ban on Friday for “conduct unbecoming… following an investigation into his use of an illicit substance last weekend and the circumstances in which the matter subsequently became public”.
Lachie Cowan has been hit with a two-match ban. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Cowan has also been issued a $5000 suspended fine.
The AFL has handed down the ban despite the new drugs policy not coming into effect until January.
“AFL players have a responsibility to themselves and their professional careers to uphold community expectations,” AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said on Friday.
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