Top lawyer reveals loophole that will keep soccer star Braydon Trindall out of trouble for failing drug test after partying with teammates
Lawyer Lee Hagipantelis believes football star Braydon Trindall’s failed doping test will not result in action from the NRL because it was not carried out by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
A new report claims Braydon Trindall was partying with his teammates the night before failing an initial roadside drug and alcohol test early Monday morning.
Trindall immediately reported the test result to his club, the Cronulla Sharks, and will appear in court in May, with a secondary sample from the illicit drug test yet to be confirmed.
He was removed from practice and play.
Trindall (pictured playing for Cronulla against North Queensland last Sunday) was removed from training and playing after failing roadside drug and alcohol tests.
Hagipantelis said that even if the club had done the right thing by immediately reporting the incident, Trindall could still be stood down until his case was heard in court.
“However, another interesting point is, if he is found guilty… of driving with an illicit drug, does that then become relevant from the perspective of the NRL’s illicit drug policy, or s ‘is this simply discrediting the game?’ the former Wests Tigers president told News Corp.
“The answer is that it is not relevant to the governing body’s illegal drug policy because it is not an official WADA test.
“WADA rules require testing to take place on the day of competition. So if he is convicted of driving while using an illicit drug, the NRL will not be able to rely on that to invoke its illicit drug policy.
NSW Police confirmed in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that a 24-year-old man who was driving on Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah around 9.45am on Monday was stopped for a random breath test.
“The man presented an expired license and allegedly gave a positive result on a breathalyzer test,” the release states.
“He was arrested for breath testing and taken to Miranda Police Station, where he allegedly gave a breath test of 0.124.”
The 24-year-old was celebrating with his teammates before failing the test Monday morning.
“It would also have tested positive for an illicit substance.” The 25-year-old man received an offense notice for driving without a license – license expired.
Prosecutions were also brought for driving with an average prescribed alcohol concentration and driving with illicit drugs present in saliva.
“He was also issued a court appearance notice for driving with a mid-range PCA and an illicit drug. He is due to appear before Sutherland Local Court on Friday May 17, 2024.”
A report from the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday claimed Trindall was celebrating with his teammates after Cronulla’s victory over North Queensland before leaving and continuing to celebrate with friends.
Trindall told the club that no players were with him after he left the apartment, according to the Herald.
Daniel Atkinson will start against Canberra on Sunday afternoon, with Trindall forming a nice combination with Nicho Hynes after the club showed confidence in him and allowed Matt Moylan to go to Super League.
Trindall scored two tries in the big win over North Queensland and won the Preston Campbell Medal as the best player of the All Stars match earlier in the year.
The Cronulla Sharks star failed an initial roadside drug and alcohol test and has told his club he will now face court next month.
“The club has since followed the appropriate protocols in the player’s contract and in the CBA and continues to work with the NRL Integrity Unit, the club, the player and its management agree that it is in the best interests of Braydon not to participate in games or not train for the game in the short term, primarily to address his wellness and health issues,” a Sharks statement said.
“Trindall immediately reported the road test result to Sharks management, who in turn informed the NRL Integrity Unit.
“The matter has been remanded for court appearance in May where Trindall will face the allegations and charges against him, noting that a secondary sample of the illicit drug test has not yet been confirmed.
“The Sharks treat these issues extremely seriously, but they provide Trindall with the necessary social support.
“Until more information is available, the club will make no further comment.”
