Edmonton Elks' Darien Newell suspended nine games after second doping violation
An independent arbitrator dismissed Newell's appeal after he tested positive for two banned substances in May.
EDMONTON · The Canadian Football League has suspended Edmonton Elks defensive lineman Darien Newell for nine games. The league announced the ban Wednesday after an independent arbitrator dismissed Newell's appeal of a second positive doping test. The tests in May found the banned substances cardarine and drostanolone, an anabolic-androgenic steroid. The suspension takes effect immediately.
Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey expressed disappointment in a statement. "I was disappointed to learn that Darien has violated the CFL's drug policy," Hervey said. "We support the league's policy and respect the process." He called the incident isolated and said it did not reflect the organization's character. Hervey added the team would not comment further out of respect for Newell's privacy and the league process.
Newell's first violation came after he tested positive for nine banned substances at the 2025 CFL combine. That result made him ineligible to sign a contract for one year after the Elks drafted him 10th overall. He joined the team on May 4 this year after serving that initial ban. The May 2026 test was part of the policy's Doping Control Program for players with prior violations.
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Under the CFL's joint drug policy, a first violation brings a two-game suspension. A second violation results in a nine-game ban, which Newell received. A third positive test leads to a one-year suspension, and a fourth violation means a lifetime ban. Players under suspension are barred from regular season and playoff games. Teams can decide if a suspended player may attend practices or meetings.
All players face mandatory testing after a violation. Following a second positive result, they must complete remedial education and undergo a clinical assessment. That evaluation determines if further counselling is needed. The six-foot-two, 289-pound lineman from Brampton, Ont., played university football at Queen's. He appeared in 37 games for the Gaels, recording 92 tackles, 18 sacks and one forced fumble. Newell was named a U Sports first-team All-Canadian twice during his collegiate career.
With files from The Globe and Mail, Sportsnet and CBC News