Addo-Carr maintains innocence, accepts $682 fine, driving suspension after positive test

Canterbury winger Josh Addo-Carr maintains he didn’t knowingly take a prohibited drug, but has accepted a police infringement notice to spare his club and family adverse publicity, according to his lawyer.

Addo-Carr will accept the $682 fine, and a three-month suspension from driving after allegedly testing positive to cocaine – a decision that means he will not have to front court. While it brings the matter to a close from a policing perspective, the Canterbury winger will next be dealt with by the NRL and his club.

“Josh was issued with an infringement notice from NSW Police in relation to positive test results,” his lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, said.

“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 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 from the club, particularly the general manager, Phil Gould, and coach Cameron Ciraldo. Finally, he wishes to thank his family, management and his teammates and the fans for all their support.”

The Bulldogs star allegedly returned a test that indicated the presence of cocaine last Friday night.

Josh Addo-CarrCredit: Getty Images

Addo-Carr was at training at Belmore on Friday afternoon when he was informed of the positive test result. He notified club officials and was then given permission to leave the club’s facility to meet with his manager, Mario Tartak. He has not been charged by police.

He voluntarily stood down from Sunday’s finals match against Manly earlier this week.

“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,” the club said in a statement released on Friday afternoon.

“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.

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould.Credit: Nick Moir

“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.”

The incident came to light on Monday when the police confirmed Addo-Carr had been stopped for a random test.

“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,” NSW Police said in a media statement.

“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.

“Police have 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.”

Earlier this week, Addo-Carr maintained he had not taken any illicit substances and his legal team raised questions about potential “irregularities” during the roadside testing process he underwent last Friday.

The premiership-winning winger volunteered to stand himself down from the Accor Stadium clash against the Sea Eagles to spare the Bulldogs adverse publicity. However, the return of a second positive result, coupled with questions over whether he was fully transparent with the club about the incident, could result in his contract being terminated.

Earlier this week, police admitted they had failed to follow the usual roadside drug testing procedure when they pulled Addo-Carr over late last Friday night, having been interrupted by an “an urgent call for assistance ... in relation to a reported attempted home invasion on Church Street, Lidcombe.”

Following questions from the Herald, NSW Police on Friday said in a statement that “officers attended and spoke with a man” following reports of a break and enter at 10.55pm.

“Further investigations were made into the incident ... and it was established there was no further action required.”

The NRL and the Bulldogs were unable to stand down Addo-Carr until the result of his second test. This masthead revealed during the week that Addo-Carr planned to make himself available next week should Canterbury defeat Manly and progress further in the playoffs.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, Canterbury general manager Phil Gould was asked if a second positive test would mean he has played for the Bulldogs for the last time.

“Well, it’s something we’ll deal with there,” Gould said.

“There are sanctions for that and there is history and precedent about that. If it comes back positive, Josh will have to explain to us how it got in his system because he’s adamant at the moment, and I mean vehemently adamant, that he hasn’t taken the drugs.”

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