Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros, who dressed but did not play, watches from the sideline during the second half of a CFL football game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver, on Saturday, October 15, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros has been suspended for one game after failing to respond to attempts by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) to conduct an offseason drug test.
According to the league, CCES officials tried to contact Collaros multiple times by phone, text, and email over a two-hour span, but he did not respond within the required 24-hour window. The CFL cited extenuating circumstances but upheld the one-game suspension following a review.
Collaros has no prior violations under the CFL/CFLPA joint drug policy and has never tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
The CFL and CFLPA also announced plans to strengthen communication protocols for offseason testing. Suspended players are barred from regular and post-season games, though teams may decide if they can take part in other activities like training camp or practices.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Wade Miller issued the following statement on Wednesday:
“Zach Collaros is one of the most respected leaders in our locker room and across the CFL. He’s a professional in every sense—committed, accountable, and a true example of what it means to be a Blue Bomber.
There was no intent for wrongdoing by Zach—just a missed step in the process. Both the CFL and CFLPA have since clarified and improved their communication protocols to help ensure this doesn’t happen to other players in the CFL.
Zach will miss our first regular season game but will continue to fully participate in training camp and preseason games. As an organization, we’re also reviewing and strengthening how we support players in navigating offseason requirements.
Zach remains an incredibly valued leader on and off the field, and we look forward to having him back under centre on June 21.”
