2 Bishop’s players suspended by CCES for anti-doping violation

CCES release:

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) announced today that two Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) football athletes have each received a two-year sanction for respective anti-doping rule violations. On March 24, 2012, Luca Urbani refused to submit to sample collection. One week later, on March 31, Vincent Plourde admitted to using stanozolol, a prohibited anabolic agent. Both violations occurred during out-of-competition testing missions at Bishop’s University.

In response to the CCES’ notification, the athletes waived their right to a hearing, acknowledged the anti-doping rule violation, and accepted the two-year sanction. Urbani’s sanction ends on March 24, 2014, and Plourde’s ends on March 31, 2014. The athletes are ineligible to participate in any capacity with any sport signatory to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP), including training with teammates.

The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport is an independent, national, not-for-profit organization. We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country. We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.

Bishop’s release:

Two former Bishop’s University football players have been sanctioned by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, following 66 tests that were conducted on squad members this spring. The CCES announced today that Luca Urbani has been suspended for refusing to undertake a drug test, while Vincent Plourde has been suspended for using a performance-enhancing substance.

Urbani, a second-year fullback, was selected to undergo a drug test during a visit to Bishop’s by CCES personnel on March 24, 2012 and refused to do so. Five other student-athletes were tested during that visit. Urbani has since waived his right to a hearing, and has accepted a two-year suspension, which expires on March 24, 2014.

Plourde, a first-year receiver, self-disclosed the use of Stanozolol on March 31, 2012. He waived his right to a hearing and accepted a two-year suspension, which expires on March 31, 2014.

Both student-athletes were immediately dismissed from the football team.

“We are disappointed by the actions of these players, as that conduct is unacceptable in our football program,” said Kevin Mackey, the Gaiters’ head coach. “We hold our program to the highest possible standards, and have no place for those who would consider using performance-enhancing drugs or attempting to circumvent the CCES testing procedures.”

After Urbani’s refusal, the CCES made visits to Bishop’s on March 31 and April 5. On March 31, urine tests were conducted on 12 athletes, including Plourde. On April 5, 49 athletes underwent urine tests with 22 of those also having blood tests. All other tests have reported negative.

“We have zero tolerance for drug use in sport, and have always fully supported the Canadian Anti-Doping Program,” said Bishop’s Interim Athletic Director Joey Sabo. “We supported the expansion of enforcement efforts in 2010, and have cooperated fully with the CCES throughout this process. While we are pleased that we have returned 65 negative results, this episode tells us that we must redouble our drug education efforts for our student-athletes in the years to come.”