Michael Jennings doping case: Former Eel cops three-year ban from NRL

Michael Jennings has accepted his three-year doping ban with a heavy heart but insists he has no idea how the prohibited substances got into his body.

Former Parramatta and NSW star Michael Jennings says he has accepted his three-year doping ban with a heavy heart and insists he still has no idea how the prohibited substances found their way into his body.

News Corp revealed last week that Jennings had ended his fight with Sports Integrity Australia, his decision to accept his fate saving him an extra year on the sidelines. 

He was handed a three-year ban and although he insists his career is not over, it seems hard to believe at the age of 33 that he can mount a comeback.

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Michael Jennings’ career seems all but over. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

Having maintained his silence for more than a year, Jennings vented on social media on Wednesday as he spoke about his devastation at having his stellar career brought to an end in such controversial circumstances.

“While I have accepted a deal there is context behind the decision,” Jennings wrote.

“I maintain that I have never and would never intentionally use performance enhancing substances. I built a career that I am proud of, and I am devastated that after 15 years in the game it could end like this. 

“On 6 September 2021 I received the heart-breaking news from Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) that it had recommended a four-year sanction to the NRL.

“At all times, I have been open and assisted Sports Integrity Australia with their investigation. I identified ... a number of possibilities of how I could have been accidentally exposed to the prohibited substance. 

“I am unsure what, if anything, they did with that information. I also provided SIA with toxicology reports and results of hair testing, all of which were negative for the performance enhancing substance in question. 

“To this day, I do not know, and could not know how it got into my system.”

Jennings was provisionally suspended on the morning of the Eels’ finals appearance almost a year ago over a failed doping test and has since parted ways with the club.

He tested positive to LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy-LGD-4033, and also Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH IbutamoreHis.

At the time of his ban, he was only two games short of joining the 300-club, having played 298 games for Penrith, the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta.

He also played 18 State of Origin games for NSW, seven Tests for Australia and 12 games for Tonga.

As much as he insists he is innocent, Jennings says he was faced with an impossible choice given the onus rested on him to show how the prohibited substances entered his body.

“Ultimately, I was faced with an impossible decision: whether to continue to fight this case even though I had no idea how the prohibited substance entered my system or accept a one-year reduction to the four-year ban in exchange for waiving my right to have the matter determined by the NRL tribunal,” he said.

“Given it has taken almost a year to even receive the letter of charge, I faced the very real possibility that the time that it took to fight the matter could exceed the three-year ban on offer.

“It was the hardest decision of my life. But I have now made a decision that is in the best interests of my family and most importantly my two amazing kids.”

Jennings has also been locked in a civil fight with his ex-wife.

“As many of you would know, this has not been my only battle,” he wrote.

“Fighting to prove my innocence has taken a massive toll on me personally and my family. One day I would love to return to the great game but for now it’s on pause.”

Doping scandal: Jennings learns final fate

Former Parramatta centre Michael Jennings has drawn the curtain on his doping drama – and in all likelihood his sporting career – after accepting a three-year ban from the NRL for taking a banned substance.

Jennings was provisionally suspended on the morning of the Eels’ finals appearance almost a year ago over a failed doping test and has since parted ways with the club.

At the time he suggested he would fight the allegations but News Corp can reveal that he has now accepted his fate and waived his right to a hearing.

Michael Jennings’ NRL career appears over after he accepted a three-year ban from the NRL. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

It is understood Jennings was able to reduce his ban from four years to three because he elected not to fight the charge and instead accepted his sanction.

Jennings has already served nearly one year of his suspension but at the age of 33, it is hard to envisage a return to rugby league, at least the top level.

He left the NRL only two games short of 300 matches, having played for Penrith, the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta. He also played 18 State of Origin games for NSW, seven Tests for Australia and 12 games for Tonga.

Michael Jennings played 18 games for the NSW Blues. Picture: Mark Evans

He has been suspended since October 9 last year, after he tested positive to LGD-4033 (Ligandrol) and its metabolite Di-hydroxy-LGD-4033, and also Ibutamoren and its metabolites Desbenzyl Ibutamoren and OH IbutamoreHis.

Earlier this year, his contract with the Eels was terminated by mutual consent. It is understood he will be free to return to top-level sport in September, 2023.

Jennings has more recently been in the news over a court dispute with his former wife Kirra Wilden.