TORONTO — In a surprising turn of events, Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros has been suspended for one game due to a failure to respond to off-season drug testing requests from the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES). The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced the suspension on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, stating that CCES officials attempted to contact Collaros twice by phone, once by text, and once by email within a two-hour period. Unfortunately, the 36-year-old quarterback did not respond within the required 24 hours, a situation that typically results in a two-game suspension. However, the league decided to reduce his punishment to one game, citing "extenuating circumstances."
Collaros, a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player and three-time Grey Cup Champion, has never tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance under the joint CFL/CFLPA Drug Policy. The CFL and CFL Players' Association (CFLPA) have since agreed to enhance communication protocols for off-season testing to prevent similar situations in the future. Under the current policy, suspended players are barred from participating in regular season or playoff games, although it is at the club's discretion whether they can partake in training camp, exhibition games, practices, or meetings.
In a statement addressing the suspension, Bombers President and CEO Wade Miller expressed his support for Collaros, stating, "Zach Collaros is one of the most respected leaders in our locker room and across the CFL. He’s a professional in every sense—committed, accountable, and a true example of what it means to be a Blue Bomber. There was no intent for wrongdoing by Zach—just a missed step in the process. Both the CFL and CFLPA have since clarified and improved their communication protocols to help ensure this doesn’t happen to other players in the CFL." Miller emphasized that Collaros will miss the Bombers' first regular season game but will continue to fully participate in training camp and preseason games, looking forward to his return under center on June 21, 2025.
The suspension comes as the Bombers prepare for their season opener against the B.C. Lions on June 12, 2025. Collaros will be absent from this crucial matchup, but his leadership and experience will remain vital as the team navigates through training camp and preseason activities in the lead-up to his return. The Bombers are hoping to build on their success from previous seasons, and Collaros’s absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field.
The situation surrounding Collaros’s suspension has highlighted the importance of effective communication between players and league officials. The CFL’s drug policy mandates a total number of league-wide tests equal to the number of players in the CFL, with testing conducted year-round. However, the current protocol has come under scrutiny due to the challenges players face in receiving timely notifications about drug tests.
Collaros himself commented on the frustrating experience he endured leading up to the suspension. He explained that the missed call from the CCES appeared as an unknown number on his phone, and he was unaware that he had been contacted until a week later, during a conversation with a CFLPA representative. The quarterback stated, "Talking to my dad about it, and some other people I care about a lot, I’ve always done things the right way and I wouldn’t want young people to think that I don’t. It’s hard for me to talk about, honestly; I just want to move on with it. It’s been an everyday thing for me the last two months."
Collaros’s legal counsel and union representatives struggled to find grounds for a successful appeal, as the language surrounding the off-season testing policy was deemed ambiguous. Despite his strong assertion of innocence, Collaros ultimately decided against pursuing an appeal, choosing instead to accept the one-game suspension. This decision was made in light of the potential for further scrutiny and distraction during the season.
As the CFL looks to tighten its drug testing protocols, the league's attempt to balance player rights with the enforcement of its policies will be closely monitored. The introduction of new communication protocols aims to ensure that players are adequately informed about testing requirements and potential consequences for non-compliance.
Collaros’s situation serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face in navigating the complexities of league policies, particularly during the off-season. The Bombers organization is committed to supporting their players in understanding and adhering to these requirements, with Miller stating, "As an organization, we’re also reviewing and strengthening how we support players in navigating off-season requirements. Zach remains an incredibly valued leader on and off the field, and we look forward to having him back under center on June 21."
As the CFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Collaros and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as they prepare to kick off their campaign. The team is eager to build on past successes and hopes to have their star quarterback back in action as they aim for another championship run. With the enhanced protocols in place, players can look forward to a smoother and more transparent testing process in the future, fostering a healthier environment for all athletes involved.
