TORONTO – The Canadian Football League (CFL) and the CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) have announced that defensive lineman Darien Newell is ineligible to sign a CFL contract for one calendar year following a violation of the league’s joint drug policy.
Newell underwent random drug testing on March 19 while participating in the CFL Combine, where his sample tested positive for multiple banned substances, including:
- GW501516
- Ibutamoren
- SARM Ostarine (S-22)
- SARM LGD-4033
- Testosterone
- Nandrolone
- Drostanolone
- Norclostebol
- Oxandrolone
Impact on CFL Draft & Appeal Process
As per CFL regulations, players who test positive for a banned substance during a CFL Combine and enter the CFL Draft are ineligible to sign a contract for one year after an anti-doping rule violation.
Newell initially appealed the result, leading his case to be reviewed by an independent arbitrator. Due to the timing of the appeal, the arbitrator notified all nine CFL teams of the ongoing process in the days leading up to the CFL Draft on April 29.
On April 30, Newell officially withdrew his appeal, thereby confirming his anti-doping rule violation and subsequent one-year suspension from signing a CFL contract.
With this ruling, Newell will be eligible to return to the CFL in May 2026, pending compliance with league policies.
