New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder failed a routine drug test during a Ford Trophy match for Wellington on 24 March and has been banned for six months. He will be able to recommence his troubled career on 19 October when the retrospective penalty has been served.
Ryder was tested positive for the banned substances 1-Phenylbutan-2-amine (PBA) and N, alpha-diethyl-benzeneethanamine (DEBEA) and heard the results on 12 April before being called to a hearing with a New Zealand Sports Tribunal in early August.
The Tribunal stated he: “May not during the period of ineligibility participate in any capacity in a competition or activity authorised or organised by New Zealand Cricket or a cricket club or other member organisation”.
Ryder was able to prove the drugs did not enhance his performance and escape the mandatory drug punishment of a two-year ban. He stated the drugs were part of a dietary supplement which he believed did not contain banned items.
Ryder said, through the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association: “I’m devastated by this situation. I’ve never taken drugs and to be in this situation distresses me greatly.”
“I simply took the supplement alongside a training programme I was completing to help me lose weight”, he continued. “I have attended anti-doping education seminars during my time in cricket and am a strong supporter of Drug Free Sport New Zealand.”
“I’m aware of the precautions you need to take; I did take steps to check the supplement but ultimately it was my responsibility and I accept that. Whilst everyone is aware of my well-documented battles with alcohol, it’s important for me to state that I abhor drug use of any kind, both recreational and performance-enhancing in sport.”
In early 2013 Ryder spent two days in a medically induced coma after being assaulted outside a Christchurch bar and subsequently announced he would leave Wellington to play for Otago in the 2013/14 New Zealand domestic season.
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
He is also the presenter of the Cricket Badger Radio Show on Radio Yorkshire every Tuesday evening between 7-9pm UK time.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
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