They tried to cover it up and did not deal with it appropriately.

Probably is the same one referred to in KS' book then.

Ah here we go, I wondered when the conspiracy theorists would start boo-hooing. These bans are serious, and I'm almost certain will be for much more than a diet pill.

The RFL don't just hand out long bans because they don't like Hull FC. They obviously have a lot of evidence against them, so don't get your back up.

Banning a player who's career was effectively over anyway, is this more a warning for clubs or players I wonder.

Wasted talent, let the RFL learn the lessons and try to ensure the youngsters coming through don't follow the same path.

There are always different circumstances and until the full details are out it is all speculation. Cunningham had mitigating circumstances in his case and that case was 8 years ago, precedents will have been set and new rules to drugs enforced in that time. To try and compare the two is ridiculous.

A sad end to Gleesons career and IF he was aware of what he was allegedly taking then he has only himself to blame.

Absolutely 100% spot on mate.

Yet again another Wigan born player brings the game into disrepute having failed a drugs test. This is a worrying trend and hopefully it's the last.

At the same time, hope the guy is given / has been given assistance from the RFL to try and overcome his problems and to adjust to life away from the game.

Article now on the UK Anti-Doping website confirming the bans.

Martin Gleeson ( Three-year ban reduced to 18 months ) Ben Cooper ( Two-year ban reduced to 12 months ) James Rule ( Gets 2 year ban ) www.ukad.org.uk/news/article/thr ... iolations/

Martin Gleeson ( Three-year ban reduced to 18 months ) Ben Cooper ( Two-year ban reduced to 12 months ) James Rule ( Gets 2 year ban ) www.ukad.org.uk/news/article/thr ... iolations/

I thought that I should post to clarify this.

According to the written notes released by the UKAD, Gleeson was actually given the tablets from Sean Long. Long had spoken to Cooper, the conditioner, and had obtained clearance for the tablets to be used.

This is found in part 2.3 of the PDF, page 2.

After dropping that ball for Rovers to score a try , he should have been tested for sleeping pills.

Would have been such a quiet off season if it wasn't for Hull FC, do they ever learn?

Why do you think Adam cleaned house when he took over?

The only thing Gleeson did wrong was agree to lie about getting clearance for the supplement directly from Ben Cooper rather than via Sean Long. Even then he clearly had second thoughts and it was him that shopped the other two. I feel sorry for him TBH - he didn't set out to break any rules and if Ben Cooper was halfway competent this would never have happened.

I'm deeply disappointed with Rule. It's not clear if the plan to lie to the authorities was all his idea but he was certainly the facilitator and coordinator. He should have had the balls to sack Cooper and plead for clemency from the UKDA based on the truth.