TORONTO – Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Mike Jones has been suspended for two games effective immediately after testing positive for a banned substance (Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone metabolite), under the drug policy of the Canadian Football League and the Canadian Football League Players’ Association.

Players who test positive will face a two-game suspension for a first doping violation, a nine-game suspension for a second violation, a one-year suspension for a third violation, and a lifetime ban for a fourth violation.

Under the policy, a suspended player cannot participate in games. It is up to the Club to determine whether that player can participate in other team activities, such as practices and meetings.

“The Hamilton Tiger-Cats fully endorse the Canadian Football League’s joint drug testing/substance abuse policy with the CFLPA,” the Ticats said in a statement. “We believe in Mike as a person and player, and although his violation is extremely disappointing, we’re confident he will take the necessary steps moving forward to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

All players will be subject to mandatory drug testing once testing positive and will participate in an assessment and clinical evaluation to determine if they need additional counselling.

The policy mandates a total number of random tests equal to 100% of the players in the CFL.

Random testing is ongoing and is conducted year round.

On Tuesday afternoon, Jones released the following statement via the Tiger-Cats:

“On Friday, September 15, following our game versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders, I was informed by the CFL Players’ Association that I tested positive for a banned substance called dehydrochlormethyltestosterone after a random drug test. I had never heard of this substance, and I have never intentionally consumed it. In fact, I had each of my supplements checked on two occasions (before and after), and each time they were deemed safe. I cannot say exactly how dehydrochlormethyltestosterone was found in my urine, but I am both responsible and accountable for what’s found in my body.

“I want to apologize to the CFL, CFLPA, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and my family for the way this incident may reflect upon them. I will be sure to take additional steps to ensure I am putting safe supplements in my body so that this never happens again. Playing professional football in Canada is a privilege, and I would never do anything to jeopardize or tarnish the purity of the game of football in the CFL. Thank you to my loved ones for their support throughout this process.”

Jones will now miss games against the BC Lions and Toronto Argonauts. The sophomore receiver has 25 catches for 267 yards and is averaging 10 yards per reception this season.