The Edmonton Elks’ defensive lineman, Darien Newell, has been handed a nine-game suspension by the CFL due to a second positive doping test. This suspension follows Newell’s positive tests in May for the banned substances cardarine and drostanolone, which is an anabolic-androgenic steroid.
Newell contested the result and his appeal was reviewed by an independent arbitrator who upheld the decision and enforced the nine-game suspension on Wednesday. Ed Hervey, the general manager of the Edmonton Elks, expressed disappointment over Newell’s violation of the CFL’s drug policy but reiterated the team’s support for the league’s regulations.
This incident is Newell’s second violation, with his first occurring during the 2025 CFL combine where he tested positive for nine banned substances. As a consequence, he was ineligible to sign a CFL contract for a year after being drafted by the Elks.
The most recent positive test in May 2026 fell under the Doping Control Program, which applies to players with prior violations. Newell had joined the Elks on May 4 after completing his initial ban.
Under the CFL policy, a first violation results in a two-game suspension, while a second leads to a nine-game ban. A third offense would warrant a one-year suspension, and a fourth would result in a lifetime ban.
Newell, hailing from Brampton, Ontario, and standing at six-foot-two and weighing 289 pounds, played college football at Queen’s University, accumulating impressive stats and accolades. All CFL players are subjected to mandatory drug testing post-violation, and those with a second positive result must undergo remedial education and clinical evaluation for potential counseling.