Josh Addo-Carr failed a random roadside drug test on the weekend.
Would expect him to be sidelined.
Behind a paywall on Daily Telegraph, can’t access it at work.
Addo-Carr, 29, is understood to have undergone a test when stopped by officers while driving on Friday night, which returned an initial positive indication for drugs.
However Addo-Carr has not been charged with any offence, as further analysis is required on that test.
It is understood Addo-Carr informed his club Canterbury-Bankstown about the incident, however there was confusion about the outcome of the test - with football boss Phil Gould claiming the test was “negative”.
The club is now seeking answers from its star after being informed by The Daily Telegraph about the initial positive result.
In a statement, NSW Police said: “About 10.45pm on Friday, officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command were patrolling Baywater Drive, Wentworth Point, when they stopped a Toyota hatchback for random testing.”
“The driver - a 29-year-old man - was subject to roadside testing which allegedly returned a positive indication for cocaine. The sample has been sent for analysis.”
NRL star Josh Addo-Carr is under investigation by NSW Police after allegedly failing a roadside drug test over the weekend. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
NRL star Josh Addo-Carr is under investigation by NSW Police after allegedly failing a roadside drug test over the weekend. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Gould tweeted about the incident on Monday, saying the test results were “negative” and slamming the incident as being.
“In response to circulating rumours and now several media inquiries regarding Josh Addo-Carr,” Gould posted on X.
“On Friday evening Josh was pulled over and subjected to a random roadside drug test. The test results were negative and Josh was allowed to continue on his way. Happens to all of us at some stage on the roads. It’s the Police keeping the community safe. We appreciate their work.
“There is absolutely no truth to rumours that Josh had any issue. None whatsoever. Enjoy your finals football everyone.”
Addo-Carr was sidelined during his side’s 6-44 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys on the weekend with a leg injury.
The club last week said he was expected to be fit to return for their finals clash against Manly on Sunday afternoon.
From the SMH:
Bulldogs star under police investigation after roadside drugs test
By Michael Chammas and Clare Sibthorpe
September 9, 2024
Canterbury’s first finals campaign in eight years has been rocked, with winger Josh Addo-Carr under investigation after allegedly testing positive to a roadside drugs test on Friday night.
Police have confirmed a 29-year-old male registered a positive reading to cocaine after he was stopped for a roadside test late on Friday night.
“About 10.45pm on Friday, officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command were patrolling Baywater Drive, Wentworth Point, when they stopped a Toyota hatchback for random testing,” the police statement said.
“The driver – a 29-year-old man – was subject to roadside testing which allegedly returned a positive indication for cocaine. The sample has been sent for analysis.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking on the condition of anonymity told the HeraldAddo-Carr claimed the first test was inconclusive and that he was allowed to drive away after a second test came back negative.
This masthead approached the Bulldogs for comment on Monday morning. At the time, they were unaware Addo-Carr had allegedly returned a positive test.
Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould took to X, formerly Twatter, before the police statement, to clarify the club’s version of events.
“In response to circulating rumours and now several media inquiries regarding Josh Addo-Carr,” Gould posted on X. “On Friday evening Josh was pulled over and subjected to a random roadside drug test. The test results were negative and Josh was allowed to continue on his way.
“Happens to all of us at some stage on the roads. It’s the Police keeping the community safe. We appreciate their work. There is absolutely no truth to rumours that Josh had any issue. None whatsoever. Enjoy your finals football everyone.”
The incident occurred on Friday night before Canterbury’s round 27 match against the Cowboys on Saturday night.
Addo-Carr was staying with his Bulldogs teammates at a Sydney Olympic Park hotel and had left to pick up a phone charger, according to club sources. Club staff weren’t aware he’d left the hotel until the following morning. Addo-Carr wasn’t available to play, having been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Addo-Carr’s future at the Bulldogs is now under a dark cloud, with the club to investigate whether he misled officials. His contract still has another year to run but he runs the risk of having it torn up if he has both lied to the club and tested positive to an illegal substance.
Roadside saliva tests can detect the drugs ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine (including speed and ice).
The sample is firstly analysed at the roadside, which takes around three minutes. If the testing device registers an indicative positive test, the person must go with the police to the station or hospital for further testing.
These second tests typically take about 20 minutes. If the person tests positive again, they cannot drive for 24 hours, and the remaining sample goes for in-depth forensic testing. That forensic testing, done in a laboratory, can take several days and police cannot lay charges until that sample returns a positive result.
The club will hold its annual awards night at Le Montage in Lilyfield on Monday night. Addo-Carr was scheduled to join his teammates at the celebratory dinner but has been told not to attend by club powerbrokers.
An NRL spokesperson said: “The NRL is liaising with the club.”