Winnipeg Blue Bombers issue statement regarding Zach Collaros ruling

[ModAdmin]

The Ruling...

https://www.cfl.ca/2025/05/07/collaros-suspended-one-game-for-failure-to-respond-to-cces-officials-for-drug-test/

Winnipeg Blue Bombers issue statement regarding Zach Collaros ruling

WINNIPEG, MB., May 7, 2025 –  Winnipeg Blue Bombers President and CEO, Wade Miller, has issued the following statement regarding today's ruling on the one game suspension of quarterback Zach Collaros.

"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."

[blue_gold_84]

What fresh hell is this? Ugh.

Seriously, what an absurd turn of events.

[Waffler]

If it was me I'd be a week late responding.

He has to be glued to his phone all off season? DURING the season ok, then no excuse. But offseason? 24 hours notice? 

[bluengold204]

If it was me I'd be a week late responding.

He has to be glued to his phone all off season? DURING the season ok, then no excuse. But offseason? 24 hours notice? 

Yes it's apart of the job.

[Blueforlife]

A world class organization that will get through this by teamwork and next man up.  Terrible news but we shall overcome this 1st hurdle.  Never easy.  I expect slow start on offence as we digest this issue and deal with changes on the OL.

[ModAdmin]

Note:  A member stated the Zach Collaros skipped a drug test.  That accusation has not been proved and was therefore removed.

These are serious matters and any attempt that people make to write their own unproven conclusion will always be removed.

[markf]

Players have only Two hours to respond?

Is that it? And no response = suspension?

If so, this is a  Nonsensical rule.

[Stats Junkie]

More details from Jeff Hamilton

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2025/05/07/collaros-takes-off-field-hit

One takeaway from article:
Collaros could appeal a 2 game suspension or accept a 1 game suspension without an appeal. He chose the path of least distractions.

[blue_or_die]

Yes it's apart of the job.

That's true. It's apart of the job but of course not a part of the job.

[Blueforlife]

More details from Jeff Hamilton

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2025/05/07/collaros-takes-off-field-hit

One takeaway from article:
Collaros could appeal a 2 game suspension or accept a 1 game suspension without an appeal. He chose the path of least distractions.

A good leader doing what's best.  Lesson learned.  Non issue handled internally.

[Blue In BC]

That sucks.

[theaardvark]

Hoping that now the team the player is under contract to is notified as well, so that they can make teh effort to confirm the player abides by the rules.

Sucks to lose him for the opener, but that's a sell out anyway.

Means we will see a live fire QB tryout game 1.  Not the worst thing, really.

[Jesse]

How is it a two game suspension to not respond within 24 hours during the off season?

This seems so ridiculous.

[Jesse]

Note:  A member stated the Zach Collaros skipped a drug test.  That accusation has not been proved and was therefore removed.

These are serious matters and any attempt that people make to write their own unproven conclusion will always be removed.

It's literally the headline of the article you posted though.

[blue_gold_84]

It's literally the headline of the article you posted though.

The article states he failed to respond within 24 hours to the request for a drug test. That's not the same thing as skipping a drug test.

This is nonsensical and arbitrary - to the point the league and the players' association have agreed to changes.