Quote: Eastbourne Warrior "I never suggested Cunningham knew what he was doing. He may, he may not. What i said was any sportsman is responsible to ensure what he takes or is given.
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If you research the case you will find there was mitigating circumstances which turned into an embarrassment to the RFL on their drug prevention procedures.
From the Independent Enquiry Quote"The Cunningham case concluded that there was sufficient reason to believe Mr Mike Sutherland has administered the drug to the player without his knowledge"
Michele Verroken UK Sports Director of Drugs Free Sport QuoteOn the basis this has been a situation where an athlete relies on someone else it is not fair the burden shall rest on them"
THe UK sport governing body were also very critical of the RFL of there working practices and tranparency of there drug prevention testing procedure.
Mike Sutherland was employed by the RFL during the international series and seconded to St Helens RLFC, the rugby league club of St Helens was not in a position to question the medical qualification of Mr Mike Sutherland as he was an employee of the RFL.
It was in Australia by the Australian Rugby League Body during the test series that Mr Mike Sutherland was raising suspicions as he was not on there global medical database.
As a result of this case, the RFL's new procedures and practices have been adopted and have become a role sporting model in the prevention of drugs in sport.
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