Officials in the Clemson athletic department have confirmed they have been notified that three players have failed NCAA mandated drug tests.
Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, offensive lineman Zach Giella, and tight end Braden Galloway all tested positive for ostarine according to school officials. There will be Sample B test results within a couple of days. The second sample is always run when the first sample comes back positive.
Ostarine, also known as enobosarm, is a selective androgen receptor modulator developed to help treat conditions like osteoporosis. These types of substances have gained popularity throughout the sports industry as a way to increase stamina and performance. Their effects have also been likened to that of anabolic steroids. The drugs are banned by the NCAA. According to the United States Anti-Doping Agency, ostarine is not and has not ever been approved for human consumption in the United States or elsewhere.
According to Anna Hickey of 247Sports, Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich was actually notified of the failed drug tests last Thursday.
If the Sample B comes back positive, all three players will be suspended for the Cotton Bowl. The bowl is played as the playoff semi-final this year, Saturday, against Notre Dame. The loss of Lawrence, would be particularly significant. He has been a staple of Clemson’s highly touted defensive line all season.
