Demons player Joel Smith tested positive for cocaine on game day

 Demons player Joel Smith tested positive for cocaine on game day

Demons player Joel Smith tested positive for cocaine on game day

Melbourne Demons player Joel Smith has been provisionally suspended by the AFL after testing positive for cocaine on game day. The 23-year-old utility player was tested after the Demons' Round 23 match against Hawthorn on 20 August 2023, and was notified of the positive test result last week.

The matter is now being investigated by Sport Integrity Australia, and Smith will not be able to participate in any AFL activities until the investigation is complete and a decision has been made on his future.

Smith's positive test result has come as a shock to the AFL community, and has raised questions about the League's drug testing policy and the culture of drug use in sport.

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is made from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a highly addictive drug that can have serious health consequences, including heart problems, stroke, and seizures. Cocaine is also a prohibited substance in sport, and athletes who test positive for the drug can face severe penalties, including suspension or bans from competition.

How did Joel Smith test positive for cocaine?

Smith was tested for drugs after the Demons' Round 23 match against Hawthorn on 20 August 2023. The AFL uses a random testing system, and all players are subject to testing at any time.

Smith's positive test result has raised questions about how he was able to consume cocaine and still play in a game of football. It is possible that Smith consumed the drug on the night before the game, or even on the morning of the game. However, it is also possible that Smith used cocaine on a more regular basis, and that his positive test result was simply a matter of time.

What are the implications of Smith's positive test result?

Smith's positive test result has a number of implications for the AFL and for the player himself.

For the AFL, Smith's test result is a black eye on the League's reputation. The AFL has a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use, and Smith's positive test result shows that even the most elite athletes are not immune to the temptation to use drugs.

The AFL's drug testing policy has also been called into question. Some critics have argued that the League's testing system is not stringent enough, and that more players should be tested on a regular basis. Others have argued that the AFL's penalties for drug use are too harsh, and that players who test positive should be given a second chance.

For Smith, the implications of his positive test result are potentially severe. He faces a possible suspension of up to four years, and his career could be in jeopardy. However, Smith has also been offered support from the AFL and from the Melbourne Demons, and he has expressed his commitment to getting help for his drug problem.

What can be done to prevent drug use in sport?

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent drug use in sport.

One important step is to educate athletes about the dangers of drug use. Athletes need to be aware of the health risks associated with drug use, and they need to understand that drug use can also have a negative impact on their careers.

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Another important step is to create a culture of drug-free sport. This means that athletes need to feel comfortable speaking out against drug use, and they need to know that they will be supported if they seek help for a drug problem.

The AFL and other sporting organisations also need to have robust drug testing policies in place. These policies need to be fair and transparent, and they need to be enforced consistently.

Conclusion

Joel Smith's positive test result is a reminder that drug use is a problem in all walks of life, including sport. It is also a reminder that no one is immune to the temptation to use drugs, not even the most  elite athletes.

The AFL and other sporting organisations need to do more to prevent drug use in sport. This includes educating athletes about the dangers of drug use, creating a culture of drug-free sport, and having robust drug testing policies in place.

It is also important to note that Smith is entitled to the presumption of innocence. He has not yet been convicted of any wrongdoing, and he has the right to a fair trial.