AFL bans Blues star for ‘use of an illicit substance’
The AFL has confirmed a two-match sanction to Lachie Cowan after the Carlton player was hospitalised after a bizarre incident following a night of partying.
The league announced the two-game ban on Friday for “conduct unbecoming… following an investigation into his use of an illicit substance last weekend and the circumstances in which the matter subsequently became public”.
Lachie Cowan has been hit with a two-match ban. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Cowan has also been issued a $5000 suspended fine.
The AFL has handed down the ban despite the new drugs policy not coming into effect until January.
“AFL players have a responsibility to themselves and their professional careers to uphold community expectations,” AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said on Friday.
“They are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances. Lachlan admitted his mistake and understands he must be accountable for his actions.”
The statement also confirmed, “All players will be hair tested upon their return to training in January, with readings going as far back as three to six months prior”.
Cowan put out his own statement via the Blues.
“I should never have put myself in such a vulnerable situation, I want to apologise for the impact my actions have had on my family and the football club,” Cowan said.
“I also want to thank the medical professionals who helped me on the night, the football club for their ongoing support and everyone who took the time to reach out and make sure I was okay.
“This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this.”
The 21-year-old player was hospitalised after a gathering at teammate Will Hayward’s house in South Yarra.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed that advanced life support paramedics responded to the incident on Sunday morning.
Hayward also went to hospital via a ride-share for a separate incident where he cut his head after falling in the shower. Hayward was not referenced by the AFL statement announcing Cowan’s sanction and is expected to dodge a sanction for his incident, the Herald Sun reported on Thursday.
Carlton sent a statement on Sunday naming both Cowan and Hayward after they were admitted to hospital for their injuries.
Carlton was reportedly furious with Hayward and Cowan.
Nine.com.au on Thursday contacted the AFL and Carlton for comment.
