Melbourne Demons player Joel Smith has been accused of trafficking or attempted trafficking of cocaine, according to the AFL.
The AFL said Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) has hit Smith with three anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) over alleged trafficking to third parties, and a further ADRV for possession of cocaine on September 9, 2022.
Those are in addition to a violation over an alleged positive drug test for which Smith was provisionally suspended late last year.
The key forward submitted a sample during an in-competition doping control test on August 20, 2023, when Melbourne took on Hawthorn, the AFL said.
The sample allegedly detected the presence of cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine, which is a prohibited substance under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code.
“Smith will continue to be provisionally suspended pending the finalisation of all of these matters, meaning he is not permitted to be part of Melbourne’s football program, including Melbourne’s pre-season training that is currently underway,” the AFL said in its statement.
“Under the code, the new asserted ADRVs will be further investigated by SIA and these matters may ultimately be heard by an AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal in the coming months.”
Melbourne put out a statement on Tuesday evening, acknowledging the new ADRVs facing Smith.
“The Melbourne Football Club is not authorised to make public comment while this is an ongoing matter that is being investigated by Sport Integrity Australia,” the club said.
“As the club has previously stated, we will wait for the investigation to be completed before we update our supporters further.”
Melbourne also said Smith’s management had contacted the Demons, insisting comments made to News Corp suggesting the 27-year-old was being “scapegoated” did not come from their camp or reflect his views.
“Joel has made it very clear that he has no issues or concerns with anyone at the Melbourne Football Club,” the club said.
Smith played 14 of his 42 career matches for Melbourne last year, including the Demons’ two narrow finals losses against Collingwood and Carlton.
He is the son of former Melbourne and North Melbourne player Shaun Smith.
ABC/AAP
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Source: AFL NEWS ABC
