A member of the suspended University of Waterloo football team has tested positive for human growth hormone, which the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport says is a first such finding in North America.
In June, the school suspended its football program from competition for a full season after urine tests revealed nine anti-doping violations. A total of 82 sample collections were conducted or attempted March 31, with 61 being for urine and 20 for blood.
The CCES said in July one of the blood samples returned an adverse analytical finding and had come from one of the nine players who had also failed a urine test. Paul Melia, the CCES's chief executive officer, had refused to reveal details about the failed blood test at the time.
On Friday, the CCES issued an advisory stating it would hold a news conference Wednesday to announce four sanctions resulting from the doping tests. A CCES official said the tests not only marked the first time athletes were tested for human growth hormone but also the first time in North America sanctions would come as a result.
The team will return to regular competition in 2011, even though 18 players have already transferred to other schools.