rlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/42095344rl

For discussion, but lets ensure we stick to the facts

"So, Rangi/Zak/AnyOtherClown, you're an outrageously naturally talented athlete. You can make a fine living playing a game which you enjoy, and which at your level, with dedication, could set you up for life by your mid-30s. You'll be a big local figure, admired by men and women alike. You might also achieve some degree of national profile too. It'll be a good life, the likes of which most less naturally talented people could only dream of."

"Great. Where do I sign?"

"Just one small sacrifice you'll have to make."

"What's that?"

"You don't get to take any drugs while you're playing. After your career's over, you can snort as much Bolivian Marching Powder as your septum can stand. But while you're playing, the price of money, fame, travel, honour and an enviable career, is a little self-restraint on the illegal substance front."

"Hmm. Naaah. Pass that rolled-up tenner, will you mate?"

Is there a petition going yet?

Made his bed, no sympathy

Could be considered lucky to only get two years, when you look at the other recent suspensions from the UKAD site. www.rugby-league.com/article/385 ... ed-by-ukad www.rugby-league.com/article/384 ... ed-by-ukad www.rugby-league.com/article/381 ... ight-years www.rugby-league.com/article/378 ... four-years One could be forgiven for thinking, when you see the two year bans handed out to Chase, Gigot and Hardaker that positive tests, and test avoidance, are far more serious offences in the competitions below Super League!

Could be considered lucky to only get two years, when you look at the other recent suspensions from the UKAD site. www.rugby-league.com/article/385 ... ed-by-ukad www.rugby-league.com/article/384 ... ed-by-ukad www.rugby-league.com/article/381 ... ight-years www.rugby-league.com/article/378 ... four-years One could be forgiven for thinking, when you see the two year bans handed out to Chase, Gigot and Hardaker that positive tests, and test avoidance, are far more serious offences in the competitions below Super League!

i think its a shame that they only test players,i wonder what they would find if they included everyone from red hall and officials,club officials,coaches.chairmen.just a thought,set the example etc,etc.

The Guy is a bloody Idiot along with any one else that take drugs no body that plays sport for a living should, if caught ban for Life

Possession of Cocaine is a criminal offence, especially if you have enough of it to be likely to supply it (ie sell it), but I am not aware of having it in your bloodstream being an offence. Many companies will have it in their employment contracts that you can be tested and fired if found to be taking illegal substances and i suspect that the RFL are no different.....but the social and economic impact of recreational drugs on the workplace in general are not under discussion here.....the attitude of a professional sportsman with maybe a 15 year window to make serious cash are...they guy is an idiot and he deserves support to help him with his issues, but not a jot of sympathy. He had talent in spades and has blown every chance he was ever iven...good riddance....off to French Union I expect..

my comment was not intended to support anyone,in fact i think we should increase the scope to include anyone earning a wage from rugby league,and test more often.

Nothing attracts talented administrators like a total restriction on their lifestyle. Cocaine and other such drugs are endemic in society and to unilaterally have testing across anyone earning a wage from RL would prevent the sport from using any outside agencies......and drug testing isn't cheap. So you'd have the staff at the RFL tested say twice a year and limit the number of outside contractors. How would SKY TV like it if we demanded that every rigger and camera man that they use (freelancers) had to be clean? What about sponsors? Do we demand that they have the same rules that we do and demand regular testing? What about the BBC? ......I reckon that the economy of Colombia would collapse if you tested that lot
Morally you're not wrong, but the answer you have for it is totally unworkable.

It’s about time governing bodies of all sports started testing every player and not just a couple. It’s rife. Gone are the days you could spend a weekend in Ibiza, safe in the knowledge the academy players will pee In a condom for you. It’s aboit time every person taking this cack is banned from sport

Regards

King James

Hopefully enough long suspensions will make most players think twice about what they're up to. Some people have suggested that some clubs 'turn a blind eye' or even assist players get away with it. Any club stupid enough to do either deserves to see players suspended, and I don't believe for a second senior management at any SL club would be that dumb.

In any event its a terrible look for the sport, and the RFL should look at increasing testing across the board. I don't care if its a 'social problem or not, these guys are paid to play sport and one of the things they need to do is not take drugs. Its that simple. Can't do that? Go and do something else professionally.

Does anyone know if Smokey is on holiday? I’m surprised he hasn’t been on this thread condoning drug use like he normally does

Regards

King James