Bulldogs star returns second positive drug test
An oral sample taken from Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has returned a positive reading, according to police.
Cydonee Mardon,
David Riccio and
Phil Rothfield
4 min read
September 13, 2024 - 5:28PM
An oral sample taken from Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has returned a positive reading, according to police.
Addo-Carr was pulled over on Friday night while driving in the Sydney suburb of Wentworth Point and allegedly returned a positive test.
He was then tested a second time, with the sample sent away for further analysis.
NSW Police sources said the test came back positive on Friday.
It can be revealed that Addo-Carr, after a meeting with his lawyer Elias Tabchouri, has decided to pay the fine of $682 and will automatically be disqualfied from driving for three months. It is understood he is making no admission of guilt, but wants to avoide lengthy court proceedings.
Sources close to Addo-Carr say that the champion winger is still insisting he has not taken cocaine, even in light of the new test result.
LAWYER, CLUB ISSUE STATEMENTS
Late on Friday afternoon Tabchouri made a statement on Abdo-Carr’s behalf.
“Josh was issued with an infringement notice from NSW Police in relation to positive test results.
“This matter has had a dramatic impact on Josh and his family.
“It has also been a distraction from a significant game for his beloved Bulldogs.
“Despite the fact that Josh maintains that he has never knowingly ingested any illegal drugs he has decided to pay the infringement and bring this matter to an end legally.
“He appreciates all the support of the club, particularly the General Manager Phil Gould, the coach Cameron Ciraldo.
“Finally he wishes to thank his family, management and team mates and the fans for all their support.”
The statement followed an earlier one from the the Bulldogs confirming that they had been informed of the result.
“The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have been advised that NRL Squad member Josh Addo-Carr has returned a positive result on the second sample taken on Friday night (September 6) at a NSW Police random roadside illicit drug test.
“Josh has left training to be with his manager, Mario Tartak. The Club is offering Josh appropriate support during this difficult period.
“The Bulldogs are committed to following the appropriate protocols with regards to the player’s contract and CBA and will work with the NRL Integrity unit, the player and his management team accordingly throughout further investigations.
“While we treat this issue with utmost seriousness, Josh’s welfare is our highest priority at this time. We will not be making any further comment until more information is available to the club. We request that the privacy of Josh and his family be respected during this challenging time.
“In the meantime, our focus remains steadfast on preparation for Sunday’s match.”
An initial test of Addo-Carr on Friday, September 6 showed indications of cocaine, but he was not charged as police awaited the results of the oral sample.
Addo-Carr denied to club officials that he took any illegal drugs, but
was stood down for the club’s return to the finals against Manly on Sunday in a bid to ease the pressure on the club and his teammates.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon NSW Police confirmed they had served an infringement notice for the offence of drive motor vehicle with illicit drug present in oral fluid – first offence - on the 29-year-old man’s legal representative.
“About 10.45pm on Friday 6 September 2024, 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 subjected to a roadside breath test which returned a negative result.
“The driver underwent a preliminary drug wipe, which allegedly returned a positive indication.
“An oral fluid sample was obtained and sent for further analysis.
“On Friday 13 September 2024, Auburn Police received notification that the sample had been analysed and returned a positive reading to cocaine.”
NSW Police had released a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming reports that Addo-Carr was not subject to a second swab last Friday night because
officers were called away to attend an urgent matter.
“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 a roadside breath test which returned a negative result. The driver underwent a preliminary drug wipe, which allegedly returned a positive indication.
“An oral fluid sample was obtained and sent for further analysis. At this time, an urgent call for assistance was received in relation to a reported attempted home invasion on Church Street, Lidcombe, about 10.54pm.
“A secondary drug wipe was not conducted as officers were required to respond to the urgent call. Auburn Police Area Command has reviewed the incident and is satisfied with the actions of the officers involved.
“The investigation is ongoing, as police await the results of the forensic analysis. No charges have been laid at this time.”
Calls to Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton and GM of football Phil Gould went unanswered on Friday afternoon with the club forced to deal with the bombshell news.
In detailing his version of events of last Friday night to Canterbury officials, Addo-Carr had been vehement in denying any cocaine use.
Following high-powered meetings with the club’s hierarchy, the Test and NSW State of Origin winger made the decision to stand down from the
Dogs huge elimination final clash against the Sea Eagles on Sunday in a decision designed to take the spotlight away from his teammates.
However, if police charges are laid against Addo-Carr, the major development will prompt the Bulldogs into making a career-defining call on the popular winger, which would include the potential of tearing-up his $500,000 per-season contract.
The Bulldogs will want answers on how it could be possible that Addo-Carr has returned a positive reading after repeatedly denying any illicit drug-use.
If charges are laid and Addo-Carr opts to plead not-guilty, any decision on whether he plays again this season will be at the discretion of the Bulldogs.
He would not fall under the NRL’s strict no-fault stand-down policy.