Queensland Reds stalwart James Slipper stood down over positive cocaine tests

QUEENSLAND Reds stalwart James Slipper is believed to be in a fragile state after being suspended for twice testing positive for cocaine. The forward has detailed his hurt and year-long “suffering” before the drugs test.

RUGBY union is reeling with senior Queensland Reds forward James Slipper under immediate suspension after twice testing positive for cocaine.

Slipper, 28, revealed in a statement today that he had been battling depression for the past year, which is believed to stem from a difficult family issue. In the statement, detailed below, he detailed his hurt and year-long “suffering”.

Slipper’s two-month suspension will rub the 86-Test veteran out of consideration for next month’s Wallabies series against Ireland.

The tricky situation is being dealt with by Rugby Australia as both a welfare issue and a breach of the code’s illicit drugs policy.

James Slipper failed a random urine test in February. He failed a second test earlier this month. File picture

A Rugby Australia tribunal last Thursday made the initial call that the 86-Test prop should be stood down for two months and receive a $27,000 fine.

There will be further debate on the level of ban, with an appeal possible to increase it.

All the help needed to improve the mental health of the nine-season stalwart is supporting him.

Slipper failed a random urine test for cocaine in February when the case was kept confidential and referred to RA’s integrity unit and medical staff. Earlier this month, he failed a second test for cocaine.

This second strike was when Slipper’s issue reached the desk of RA chief executive Raelene Castle and Queensland Rugby Union chiefs.

Slipper was taken out of consideration for last Friday’s match against the Hurricanes on welfare grounds and his name is missing from the Reds side to face the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

Slipper is believed to be fragile emotionally with the first major stain on a career of 104 Super Rugby matches for Queensland since his debut in 2010.

In a statement, Slipper’s deep hurt and circumstances were laid bare.

Reds stalwart James Slipper said in a statement that he had been suffering depression and was seeking help. Picture: Jono Searle/AAP

“I have been suffering wellness issues including depression for a year and have been receiving professional assistance for the last few months,” he said in the statement.

“The advice is I will make a speedy and total recovery.

“In no way do my personal circumstances excuse my actions but I recognise now that I was not coping and that I need to properly address these wellness issues.

“Recently I breached the illicit drugs policy of Rugby Australia and have been stood down from playing rugby for a two-month period and have also received a fine.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and apologise unreservedly.

“There is no place for illicit drugs in sport.”

Queensland Rugby Union chairman Jeff Miller said today that Slipper’s welfare was a top priority but also made it clear that: “Hearing the news we were shocked and extremely disappointed.”

“In saying that, James has some significant personal issues he’s dealing with that need to be taken into consideration.”

Miller said the Reds did not have a drugs culture with fullback Karmichael Hunt on the sidelines after lack of evidence had a charge of cocaine possession dropped in February.

“That’s trying to connect some dots I don’t think are relevant, ” Miller said of any potential Hunt-Slipper link.

Miller revealed Reds coach Brad Thorn and Slipper had spoken about some of the personal issues that the Test prop was going through but the drug tests came as a total shock.

“Brad is extremely disappointed and you can understand with a senior player having tested twice to an illicit drug,” Miller said.

Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle addressed this morning about Slipper’s positive tests. Picture: Daniel Munoz/AAP

“The welfare of our players is extremely important to us.

“A lot of information is coming through to us and we need to understand fully the situation from James and the medical people.

“As a board, we will take a considered approach.”

Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle said the whole space of mental health was a challenge for sport.

“That’s one of the things about depression. People work really hard to hide any mental health or depression challenges they have themselves for a very long time before they’re prepared to front it and that’s where as a sport we need to try and encourage people to come forward earlier because the earlier they come forward the earlier we can help them,” she said.

In 2015, Reds fullback Karmichael Hunt was hit with a five-game ban and $32,500 in fines from rugby and the courts when he pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of cocaine from an episode when still at the Gold Coast Suns AFL club.

Hunt’s career is in limbo at the moment. He has not played any of the Reds’ 11 games this season.

Rugby Australia imposed a four-game ban, already served, and a $10,000 fine for Hunt’s second drug-related bust this season.

Cocaine charges, from an incident in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley late last year, were dropped because of lack of evidence.

Hunt pleaded guilty to possessing the prescription drug Xanax.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Originally published as Queensland Reds stalwart James Slipper stood down over positive cocaine tests