The National Hockey League has announced that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Carter Ashton has been suspended for a total of twenty games, without pay, due to a violation of the NHL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Carter Ashton suspended 20 games, without pay, for violating terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 6, 2014
Ashton will forfeit approximately $169,000 during his suspension.
In a statement released by Ashton, he claimed that he used a drug called Clenbuterol, a drug commonly used for breathing disorders. He stated that he ingested the drug via an inhaler after suffering an asthmatic spasm while training back in August. In his release, he said “At no time was I seeking to gain an athletic advantage or to knowingly violate the terms of the program”. If found to be true, it’s possible that the suspension will be overturned, however he will (at the least) miss tonight’s Leafs game in Colorado.
According to the NHL’s CBA, the league may not release any information regarding positive tests other than the length of the suspension given. 20 games is standard for a first offense. The player must also be referred to the league’s Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health Program for “evaluation, education and possible treatment“.
Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan released a statement saying that the team supports the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, as well as the decision to suspend Ashton. He also stated that the team will not comment further.
Ashton has not played seen much ice time for the Leafs this season, pointless in three games. He has spent the majority of his time as a healthy scratch.
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