Drugs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Controversial drug snus could be banned after use by footy stars such as Jamie Vardy and Man Utd ace

      by

      A “PREVALENCE” of snus in football could lead to a blanket ban in the Premier League after it emerged it was being used by “dozens” of players – with numbers increasing.A PFA investigation will report by the New Year the use of the product – taken by athletes who believe nicotine boosts performance – is at a “tipping point”.
      Footballers who use snus such as Jamie Vardy may no longer be allowed to use it after a PFA investigation is publishedCredit: Getty
      A PFA investigation will either issue a blanket ban or allow it to be openly acceptedCredit: Alamy
      This investigation will see it either become openly accepted or banned by clubs with no compromise.
      Stars including Leicester striker Jamie Vardy and Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles have been linked to the product and nicotine pouches.
      Players put the products under their top lip or between their toes before games.
      An insider at a top-five club said: “It is an open secret that snus and nicotine pouches are being used by players on and off the pitch, on the bench and in training and many do not care about this investigation. 
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I know the PFA sees a tipping point here and they are in a difficult spot.
      “Coaches cannot watch the players all of the time and these are incredibly discreet to use.
      “Is the gaffer supposed to check his players’ mouths and toes when they put their socks on? It’s because of this we could see a blanket ban, rather than the effects of snus.”
      Many clubs made players watch presentations and complete questionnaires over the summer on the issue.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Gareth Southgate said last week he was aware ‘a lot of footballers’ used snus and added: “I’m not sure how it can be good for you.”
      But campaigners hit back last night, stating the PFA was “ignoring the science” behind nicotine in sport.
      Richard Crosby, founder of campaign group Considerate Pouchers UK, said: “The PFA is potentially causing more harm than good by ignoring the science and while Mr Southgate has a view, it appears not to be an informed one.
      “He and the PFA need to understand why players are using snus and nicotine pouches, which is largely twofold – to improve athletic and cognitive performance, whilst also avoiding cigarettes.
      “It is lazy to associate nicotine with smoking.
      “This is because there is now plenty of evidence to show it can be an effective sporting supplement, so by not informing players of this valid research, they are ignoring the science and withholding all of the facts.”
      As well as Vardy, Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof and Newcastle defender Emil Krafth have all been snapped with snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches, which sit behind the top lip.
      Nicotine use in football has been long-running.
      Legendary players including Gazza, Zinedine Zidane, Wayne Rooney and David Ginola were all spotted puffing cigarettes.
      There is some evidence to suggest nicotine can increase performance.
      Man Utd star Victor Lindelof has previously been seen using snusCredit: Rex
      A 2021 study by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, monitored college archers before and after using nicotine strips.
      It concluded nicotine had a positive effect on attention, “increased skeletal muscle contraction force” and delayed fatigue.
      The archers’ scores also “significantly increased” after taking nicotine, with the report stating the drug “enhances the performance of archery athletes by increasing cognitive function”.
      But the PFA has said it wants to target any addiction in sport after a survey of 1000 professional players revealed many were struggling with the use of prescription drugs.
      Dele Alli has openly spoken about his addiction to sleeping pills while ex-Liverpool keeper Chris Kirkland has spoken of his battle with painkillers.
      The 12-month PFA study on the use of snus – which is being led by Loughborough University – will be used to advise clubs on its prevalence in their teams and give recommendations for support offered to players, including counselling.
      Mr Crosby said: “It is really important the PFA look at this subject with an open mind and make a proper attempt at discussing this with experts in the field.
      “Their own specialists will be aware of the research into nicotine and performance.
      “Let’s also not forget snus and pouches are vastly safer than smoking, which has been another way footballers have used to get nicotine in the past.”
      It is legal to buy snus – which contains tobacco – in the UK but it is illegal to sell it, meaning footballers buy online. 
      Openly available nicotine pouches fall under general consumer product safety regulations.
      This is currently under review by government. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Tramadol has spread like a disease in football – will moves to ban the highly addictive drug work?

      by

      BEHIND Tramadol, that comfy sort of drug that eases pain and helps provide a good night’s sleep, lies a nasty little secret.It is addictive and may lead directly to a drastically spoiled life.
      Former Bury star Ryan Cresswell took legal drugs like Tramadol to ease pain and is now urging players facing similar problems to seek helpCredit: PA
      Painkiller Tramadol is a growing issue in football and rugbyCredit: AFP
      It has spread like a pox in football and rugby, sports in which pain is as common as a kick on the shin or an awkward fall.
      Paracetamol is a safer alternative but only dulls pain and is much less effective than Tramadol, which is an opioid and has many after-effects.
      Moves to ban it will be taken in the new year after the World Anti-Doping Agency ruled that from January 1, any sportsman or sportswoman faces a lengthy suspension if caught with the drug in their system.
      This might work but, then, possibly not.
      READ MORE TOP STORIES
      It will be important that medical staff at clubs will be alerted to, first, the dangers of the drug and, second, the level of punishment facing takers.
      Difficulties in policing for addiction are clear and the benefits in aiding relaxation and sleep have proved attractive enough to tempt injured footballers beyond the medical profession.
      Immediate effects may include vomiting, vertigo, constipation and drowsiness but it is not passing effects that are the problem, although a sleepy centre-back is the last thing a team needs.
      A friend (not a footballer) who was prescribed Tramadol told me that after one dose he dreamed he was playing alongside Harry Kane and woke up shouting “pass it here, Harry”. Perhaps for a moment he thought he was a South Korean.
      Most read in Football
      Another story from a different friend. He had to hand off his wife in bed as she flailed at him, shouting angrily.
      He cowered on the edge of his bed for the rest of the night. But the serious problems arise with addiction.
      Once footballers find it impossible to resist taking the pills, then psychiatric symptoms occur.
      A number of players and retired players are now subject to hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia and extreme anxiety.
      And acute withdrawal symptoms take up to seven days to disperse.
      Drugs in sport has a long history and the more sophisticated medicine and chemistry becomes, the harder such cheating is to stop, let alone control.
      In outward appearance, football has avoided the worst of the epidemic but Tramadol is a little different in that its use, often combined with paracetamol, to alleviate pain and even aid sleep is beneficial so that the Wada ban may not be wholly welcome.
      If you have developed a reliance or an addiction, stopping is a process where you’ll need help.Ryan Cresswell
      However, a doctor’s prescription will no longer be permissible, which for a lot of players will be bad news indeed.
      Ryan Cresswell, who made 250-plus appearances for clubs including Bury and Northampton, suffered with painkiller addiction throughout his career.
      He had a knee op at 17 but the cartilage went again nine years later and he took legal drugs, including Tramadol, to manage the pain.
      “It’s not normal to be taking eight or nine tablets a day and I realised I needed help,” he said.
      “My advice to players is to speak to someone. If you have developed a reliance or an addiction,  stopping is a process where you’ll need help.”
      The PFA have become involved. Dr Michael Bennett, director of player wellbeing,  urged players to use the PFA’s services if they think they may need support.
      “We know there are players in real difficulty with Tramadol usage,” he said, adding that there have been high-profile cases where addiction has contributed to huge problems in the lives of players. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      I was smoking marijuana aged 13, now I’m two-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist, says Anthony Joshua

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA has revealed that he smoked marijuana until he was 13 years old.The Brit was able to kick the habit and become one of the best boxers in the world.
      Anthony Joshua smoked marijuana until he was 13Credit: BBC Sport
      AJ stopped smoking and went on to become a two-time world championCredit: Getty
      AJ, 34, became the two-time heavyweight world champion as he beat Wladimir Klitschko and Andy Ruiz Jr.
      He also won gold at the London Olympics in 2012 and a year later he turned professional.
      However, his success in the boxing world may never have happened if he had not stopped smoking.
      During an interview with Louis Theroux, he said: “If you can’t get the distractions out of your life, you can’t get your full attention on improving as an athlete.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “For me, when I stopped smoking I was able to progress.”
      AJ admitted that he was smoking the class B drug up to six times a day.
      He was kicked off the GB Olympic team in 2011 after police discovered cannabis in his car.
      The boxer was charged with possession with an intent to supply a class B drug.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      His punishment was a non-custodial sentence of 100 hours of unpaid work as well as a 12-month community order.
      He had previously spoken about how his life has been affected by the incident.
      This is because his record is always brought up when he enters the US, however he is still able to get into the country.
      In the interview, Joshua also admitted that in his youth he once fought six men at once.
      The result of the fight left him with scars on his knuckles.
      He added: “I used to get in fights a lot when I was younger.
      “My skin doesn’t heal too well.
      “This knuckle, I went to get chicken one evening and I ended up fighting six guys on my own.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Eddie Hearn CONFIRMS Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn for January with two huge stadiums set to host mega-fight

      by

      CONOR BENN’s family grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr will take place in January, promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed.The surging welterweight was set to face the former IBO super-middleweight champion last October before a pair of failed pre-fight drug tests scuppered the latest instalment of the family feud.
      Conor Benn was due to face Chris Eubank Jr last Octover before a pair of failed drug testsCredit: Reuters
      Negotiations over the domestic grudge match resumed after Benn’s return to the ring in SeptemberCredit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn expects the fight to take place in JanuaryCredit: ALAMY
      Despite returning to the ring in September for a short-notice showdown with Rodolfo Orozco, Benn – the son of British boxing great Nigel – is currently NOT licensed to compete in the UK.
      The British Boxing Board of Control and UKAD both appealed the National Anti-Doping Panel’s ruling that Benn was innocent of intentionally taking the banned fertility drug found in his system.
      But Hearn is confident the BBBofC and UKAD won’t slap his man with a suspension, so much so he’s claimed January joust with Eubank Jr will come to fruition.
      The Matchroom Boxing chief told iFL TV: “In terms of Benn-Eubank, that fight is going to happen in January in the UK.”
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Hearn, however, admits the fate of the fight is currently in the hands of the BBBofC, saying: “We will make the fight.
      “Conor Benn is not suspended and we will apply to the British Boxing Board of Control for sanctioning.
      “It’s up to them whether they sanction it or not.
      “He’s not suspended, legally, and we don’t see how he can’t be sanctioned to fight.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Conor Benn is still not licensed to box in the UKCredit: PA
      “We’ll let them make their decision.”
      Negotiations over the mouthwatering domestic dust-up – which could take place at the Principality Stadium or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – have reached the business end.
      And Hearn expects an agreement to be reached as early as next week.
      He said: “We’re in final negotiations with both sides to finalise a deal.
      “If we don’t get it done, we’re morons. But sometimes, we’re morons.
      “I expect everybody to be sensible and get that deal over the line as quick[ly] as next week. And we’ve got to get it done.
      “I know people will say, ‘Oh, you’ve been saying this for a while.’
      “Yes, we were waiting for December 23. [But. January, UK, Benn-Eubank, I believe is happening.” More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-porn star and football WAG, 27, jailed after trying to traffic 14lbs of coke into Spain…but shock texts gave her away

      by

      A FORMER porn star and football WAG has been jailed for almost three years after shocking texts revealed how she trafficked 14lbs of coke into Spain.Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized at Carrasco International Airport, in the Uruguayan capital Montevideo.
      Mia Etcheverria was one of five seized by cops after trafficking 14lbs of cocaine into SpainCredit: instagram
      The former porn star was married to Richard Morales, a Uruguayan football starCredit: instagram
      Morales, right, played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club careerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The adult actress, and ex-wife of Uruguayan football star Richard ‘Chengue’ Morales, 48, was nabbed by cops on June 24.
      While the gang of five made their way through the airport, police carried out a routine check on one of the men.
      Officers found his two suitcases had hidden compartments containing six slabs of cocaine with a staggering total weight 14lbs 5oz.
      Cops then pulled over the rest of the group, including three women aged 26, 27, and 36, and a 35-year-old man.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Etcheverria initially denied having any knowledge of the drug plot but confessed later during a plea-bargaining deal, according to local reports.
      Police then found Telegram messages while investigating the WAG’s mobile phone where she was seen giving other gang members tips on how to avoid being caught.
      She told them: “It is your attitude that will determine your trip, you understand? Travel listening to music.”
      Etcheverria added: “When you get off the plane, take photos (but do not upload anything) until you reach your destination. As touristy as possible, trust me.”
      Most read in Football
      Her lawyer, Pablo Casas, claimed at the time of the group’s bust that his client “was unaware of the contents of the suitcases”.
      The ex-porn star – real name Camila Navarro – was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TV.
      She shares two daughters with Morales, who made 27 appearances for Uruguay between 2001 and 2005.
      The footie ace played for Osasuna and Malaga during his club career.
      Morales paid all her legal fees during the trial and said in a statement: “Nowadays, more than ever, my only priority is my daughters and their well-being, and I will protect them from any media exposure related to this issue.
      “I understand that we are both public figures in different contexts, but I consider it unnecessary to constantly refer to me and my daughters.”
      She has been jailed for two years and seven months after previously facing 18 years in jail for the offense.
      It comes after a former Leeds Utd player was jailed for shifting cocaine for a major crime gang after cops smashed a secret EncroChat network.
      Paul Shepherd, 45, worked as a “trusted courier” for the four-man drug racket by moving cash and drugs around for them.
      Read More on The Sun
      And Sebastian Guilhaus, a former Married at First Sight star, was charged with drug trafficking after cops said they seized almost £47,000 worth of meth during a raid.
      He was arrested in June by the Serious and Organised Crime Branch detectives at his Adelaide home.
      Morales paid all of Etcheverria’s legal fees during the trialCredit: instagram
      The 27-year-old has been arrested for two years and seven monthsCredit: instagram
      Etcheverria was one of the main stars on the Uruguayan adult channel Divas TVCredit: instagram More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Conor Benn to make shock ring return THIS WEEKEND in Orlando with star still not licensed in UK after failed drug tests

      by

      CONOR BENN will make a shock return to the ring in Orlando THIS WEEKEND – despite not being cleared to fight in the UK.The surging welterweight contender’s career was brought to a screeching halt last October when it was revealed he failed a pair of drug tests ahead of his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank Jr.
      Conor Benn will make a shock return to the ring this weekendCredit: GETTY
      Benn’s career was on a knife-edge after he failed two drug tests ahead of his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank JrCredit: Getty
      Benn will be back in action against 24-year-old Rodolfo OrozcoCredit: MATCHROOM BOXING
      Benn, 26, isn’t currently licensed to compete in the UK due to the ongoing and controversial doping saga.
      But that hasn’t stopped him and his team from pursuing a fight – which will take place in Orlando, Florida this Saturday.
      The Destroyer will lock horns with Mexico’s Rodolfo Orozco on the undercard of Richardson Hitchins’ super-lightweight clash with Jose Zepeda.
      A delighted Benn said: “I am undefeated in the ring, and in spirit. A return on Saturday is a step closer to redemption.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “After that,  I’m putting the 147-160 divisions on notice. 
      “You are looking at a determined man with a deep desire to beat them all.”
      Benn is currently licensed by the Florida Athletic Commission, so he won’t be violating any rules by competing.
      Promoter Eddie Hearn is delighted to have him back in action – despite the uncertainty over his ability to box in the UK.
      Most read in Boxing
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Conor Benn hasn’t fought since his demolition of Chris van Heerden last AprilCredit: GETTY
      The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “Conor Benn is back and I’m looking forward to seeing him pick up where he left off.
      “He’s ready to go straight in for a big fight now but his trainer Tony Sims will be pleased to get him back sooner against a game opponent in Rodolfo Orozco.
      “Conor is looking unbelievable in the gym and I cannot wait to see him back in the ring where he belongs on what is a fantastic fight card in Florida.”
      The undefeated Benn’s career was left in tatters after he tested positive for the banned fertility drug clomiphene – which can elevate testosterone levels in men – before his cancelled clash with Eubank Jr.
      The son of British boxing great Nigel protested his innocence from the get-go and was cleared by the National Anti-Doping Panel in July.
      UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control, however, have appealed the decision.
      The date for the outcome of the appeal is currently unknown.
      Conor Benn’s fighting future in the UK is still well and truly up in the airCredit: PA More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      Jake Paul called out by Amir Khan despite THREE STONE difference as ex-champ vows to pack on pounds to ‘beat him up’

      by

      AMIR KHAN has vowed to pack on the pounds to come out of retirement and fight Jake Paul. The British boxing legend hung up the gloves following his February 2022 loss to bitter rival Kell Brook.
      Amir Khan vowed to pack on the pounds to come out of retirement and fight Jake PaulCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Jake Paul after beating Nate Diaz in his last fightCredit: Getty
      But Khan – who is serving a drugs ban following his final bout – has refused to rule out a comeback.
      And he is even willing to go up in weight to take on YouTuber-turned boxer Paul.
      He said on Heart radio: “Jake Paul, he gets on my nerves a little bit.
      “I think the way he conducts himself, the way he acts, and he’s just full of himself as well and he thinks he can fight, he’s only been boxing for like a year, so yeah, I’d love to fight him.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “He’s been very lucky though, he’s a little bit heavier than me but I don’t mind putting the pounds on just to beat him up.”
      Paul, 26, was beaten for the first time in February this year, losing a split-decision to Tommy Fury, 24, in Saudi Arabia.
      But he returned in August to beat ex-UFC star Nate Diaz, 38, over ten rounds in Texas.
      He weighed 185lb (13st 2lb) for the bout, while Khan was 149lb (10st 6lb) for his loss to Brook, 37.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      The 2004 Olympic silver medallist, 36, is currently serving a two-year drugs ban following a failed test last year.
      He was found with traces of Ostarine in his system, which aids weight loss and muscle growth.
      The substance is prohibited by United Kingdom Anti-Doping, who Khan co-operated with during their investigation.
      UKAD confirmed Khan’s ban – after it was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel – but he doubled down on unknowingly consuming the substance.
      A statement read: “Mr Khan’s case was heard by the independent tribunal on 24 January 2023 and in its written decision dated 21 February 2023, the panel found both violations proved, concluded that Mr Khan had established that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning of ADR Article 10.2.3 and imposed a two-year ban on him.”
      Amir Khan retired after losing to Kell BrookCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Pro footballer who crashed his car and smashed into driver after taking laughing gas is jailed

      by

      A PRO footballer has been jailed for a year for causing a horrific car crash after taking laughing gas.Flynn Clarke’s BMW swerved into the opposite carriageway in April last year – and into a motorhome.
      Flynn Clarke has been jailed for a year for causing a car crash after taking laughing gasCredit: Getty
      A court heard the Norwich City player, 20, lost control after clipping a kerb while exiting a roundabout.
      The driver of the motorhome which suffered significant injuries, while a male passenger in the BMW said he feared he’d never walk again.
      Clarke, who has also played for Scotland’s under-21 side, admitted three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
      Peterborough Crown Court heard he also accepts having used nitrous oxide – more commonly known as laughing gas.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      However, there were “unclear and conflicting accounts” whether it had been taken at the time or immediately prior to the collision.
      Jailing Clarke for 12 months and banning him from driving for 30 months, Judge Sean Enright said his actions had led to “immense harm”.
      Prosecutors said witnesses had described the young professional footballer driving in an “indecisive manner” and struggling to stay in his lane prior to the crash, which occurred on the A47 near Thorney, Cambs.
      He was driving with his girlfriend in the front passenger seat and three male friends in the back, the court was told.
      Most read in Football
      Clarke’s BMW then swerved into the opposite carriageway and ploughed head-on into a motorhome.
      The owner of the motorhome vehicle, a HGV driver, said he has been unable to work since the crash which left him with a fractured pelvis, knee, hip and ankle.
      He has since been forced to undergo multiple operations including a hip replacement.
      In a victim impact statement read to the court, he added that his injuries had left him unable to do things he previously took for granted – including playing football with his grandson.
      The victim said: “Over the last 16 months I have been in pain and discomfort.
      “This incident sends a shiver up my back when I think of it, and how the consequences should have been very different.”
      A 21-year-old passenger in Clarke’s BMW told the court he’d feared he may never walk again after being airlifted to hospital with internal bleeding, having sustained a broken collar bone, sternum and vertebrae.
      The young man added he could be in pain for the rest of his life and that, while Clarke did not set out to cause the crash, he “has to live with the consequences”.
      Clarke’s defence counsel, Tommy Dominguez KC, said the crash had occurred due to a “momentary lapse of concentration” and added that Clarke had shown “significant remorse”.
      “He has not looked to offer any excuses,” he said. “He has taken full responsibility for his actions.”
      The court was also told Norwich City was likely to terminate the footballer’s employment if he was sent to prison.
      Judge Enright also banned Clarke from driving for 30 months.
      Clarke, born in Peterborough, Cambs., was signed by Norwich in 2021 after just a handful of senior appearances for Peterborough United.
      He had a brief loan spell with League Two club Walsall last year and was signed on loan earlier this month by National League outfit Dagenham & Redbridge.
      He made his debut for Scotland’s U21 side in September last year and was on the score sheet during a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      In a statement, Norwich City said they would ‘”consider the matter internally in accordance with its own disciplinary procedure”.
      It is currently not illegal to possess or use nitrous oxide. However, earlier this week MPs voted in favour of making it a Class C drug. More