Tiger-Cats' Brandon Banks barred 2 games for positive drug test

Hamilton Tiger-Cats star Brandon Banks has been suspended for two crucial games following a positive drug test.

The Canadian Football League says Banks tested positive for Methylenedioxyamphetamine, a stimulant known as MDA that is closely related to ecstasy.

"I would like to apologize to my coaches, teammates, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization, and our great and loyal fans for putting myself in this situation," Banks said in a statement released by the team.

"It's my responsibility to know what's on the banned substance list and there is no excuse for my violation of the rules." 

Banks added his "mistake has not only hurt my team, but my family and friends, and for that I am extremely sorry. I will work very hard over the next two weeks to prepare myself both mentally and physically to return to the field and contribute to bringing a Grey Cup championship back to the City of Hamilton."

It's the for the receiver/kick-returner's first positive test, which carries a two-game suspension.

Kent Austin, Hamilton's head coach/vice-president of football operations, said Banks addressed the matter with his teammates. Austin reiterated the franchise's support for him.

"To say I'm not disappointed is probably not the truth," Austin told reporters in Hamilton. "But I know he's been disappointed in me to so that's the way relationships are.

"Brandon knows that I love him and we're supportive. He made a mistake. We need to get better, make better decisions in the future. It impacts himself personally, it impacts the football team and it impacts everybody around him. You can say no as easily as you can say yes and we trust that we'll be better decision-makers in the future."

Playoff berth in grasp

The loss of Banks is big for Hamilton (6-9), which trails first-place Ottawa (7-7-1) in the East Division standings. As a result of the suspension, Banks will also miss the Ticats' home game versus Edmonton (8-7) on Oct. 28.

Hamilton can clinch a playoff berth, and home field for the East semifinal, with a win Friday. The Ticats would also garner second in the conference with a tie and losses this week by both Toronto and Montreal.

Ottawa can also clinch first in the East and home field for the division final with a win over Hamilton.

Banks will be eligible to return to Hamilton's lineup Nov. 5 for its regular-season finale against Montreal at Tim Hortons Field.

The five-foot-seven, 157-pound Banks has 29 catches for 355 yards and four TDs this season. He has 59 punt returns for 569 yards and a touchdown and has also returned two missed field goals for touchdowns.

Players face a nine-game ban for a second violation, a one-year suspension for a third, and lifetime ban for a fourth offence.

Under the league's policy, a suspended player can't play in games but it's up to the club to determine whether he can participate in other team activities, such as practice and meetings.