By Sumeyya Ilanbey, Peter Ryan and Jake Niall
Embattled West Coast star Willie Rioli has apologised for his “lil mistake” as he faces a four-year ban that could derail his AFL career.
The 24-year-old small forward was provisionally suspended on Wednesday for allegedly tampering with a urine sample he provided on August 20, two days after the round 22 clash with Richmond.
After being told of the breach earlier this week, Rioli returned to the Tiwi Islands to be with family.
“Just want to thank all my real family and friends for all the love and support through this tough time,” Rioli posted on his Facebook page.
“I’m so sorry I had to put yous (sic) all through this! We will get through this! I’v (sic) gone through tougher times life support, depression, bullying an we’ve gotten through!
“Hopefully this lil mistake is a lesson to be learnt! This definitely doesn’t define me as a person!! Love youse (sic) all.”
The Eagles revealed on Thursday, a day after the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority informed the AFL, that Rioli would be banned under the league’s anti-doping code for an “adverse analytical finding for urine substitution”.
He has not returned a positive drug test, rather provided a sample that was subsequently found to not be urine.
Eagles football manager Craig Vozzo on Thursday said Rioli was “a little bit of a mess, to be honest, emotionally” and was not in a good space.
“Look, he’s very, very flat, the club and staff are really worried about his wellbeing, he’s not in a great space,” Vozzo said.