The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have released Jordan Matechuk from the team after an arrest made on May 31 at the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan border for allegedly crossing in possession of steroids and marijuana.
The arrest came after officers discovered 543 anabolic steroid pills, 262 millilitres of anabolic steroids in liquid form, 1.25 grams of marijuana, 19 syringes, 51 replacement needles, and an unspecified amount of the prescription painkiller, Oxycontin (Oxycodone) as the CFLer attempted to cross the border into the state of Michigan.
When the Tiger-Cats found out, they released the 25-year-old. News broke in Yorkton late last Tuesday night.
He was held for two nights at the Chippewa Country Jail (Michigan). He was released on bail on June 2.
Authorities in Michigan say he was supposed to attend a review of his charges last Monday (June 6) at the 91st Judicial District Court in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
"He didn't show up," says Brian Peppler, Chippewa County prosecutor, in a www.canoe.ca report. "I have no idea why."
A bench warrant was issued, said Peppler. A bench warrant is a variant of an arrest warrant that authorizes the immediate on-site arrest of an individual subject to the bench warrant. Typically, judges issue bench warrants for persons deemed to be in contempt of the court, or failure to appear for an appointed time and date for a court appearance.
Brian Peppler, Chippewa Country prosecutor, told YTW that a court date to review the charges had been set for this past Monday.
However, according to Peppler, Matechuk didn't show up allthough his attorney did.
Peppler said they are currently in the process of setting another date to review the charges.
According to Chippewa County prosecutors, Matechuk has been charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. He is also facing a misdemeanour charge relating to marijuana possession. He faces up to four years in prison.
The Tiger-Cats released the native of Yorkton after learning of his arrest from the media.
Matechuk signed as a free agent with the team in 2008.
Scott McNaughton, manager of media relations with the team would not comment on the situation other then directing to the team web site, which reads."We are deeply, deeply disappointed on two fronts: that a player faces such charges and that the same player would keep obviously important information from our organization," says Marcel Bellefeulle, head coach via statement.
Matechuk's next court date was scheduled for Monday.
Though the CFL has launched a drug testing program on Jan. 1, Matechuk's arrest has raised questions regarding steroid use both on the team and through the league.
Several sources apparently told The Hamilton Spectator that Matechuk's agent, Fred Weinrauch counselled his client to keep the situation under wraps. Weinrauch said Matechuk contacted him while in jail in Michigan and that his advice was straight forward.
