Maybe he will write a book about how misbehaved he has been over the years.

Oh sorry, that's been done before hasn't it?

As I said earlier, on the basis of the reports on the Beeb and Sky, there is no indication that this was anything other than a first test – at least in terms of this process.



He will only be banned IF found guilty, and that will particularly depend on whether it can be shown that he knowingly took any substance.

Until then, as I have clearly stated, he is innocent, whether one likes him or not.

Simples.

Exactly the problem - Newton is extremely unpopular (rightly so for his cowardly thuggery in my view) but we can't judge just yet. Widnes have had Dean Gaskell given a drugs ban recently - the reason? Overuse of his (approved) prescribed inhaler during a game leading to exceeding the permitted level of a controlled substance. Apparently he is fine to use it (as he does most weeks), just not 'overuse' it during games. Was he trying to cheat? No, he was trying to keep breathing. Even the panel recognised this by effectively banning him for the off-season. But the initial headline would have been 'Gaskell fails drugs test - ban looming'. So, I hate to say it, but we need to wait until the facts come out before we hang, draw and quarter him.

He would need to learn how to read and write and first.

Week 1: 5 Arrested (regardless of charged or not).
Week 2: Newton fails (first/second) Drug test.

I must say, the RFL PR team have really started with all guns blazing this year

If it turns out to be performance enhancing then I hope he gets a refund. They clearly didn't work in performances for the Bulls last year

dont forget the catalans team fighting in Leeds!

er...see week 1?

He could always borrows Long's crayons.

As I said in another thread, the RFL are going all out to copy the NRL...

Are we trying to put some "rock n roll" into the game over here?

One of the "best" aspects of these forums, no matter what the subject is "GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT" and even then some are not convinced one way or the other.

sorry, i thought you were referring to the hudds players, but there are 6 of them

time to roll this out again

Would like to have seen his career ended in a different way, but this will do if its proven.

How have I never seen that before!!! Awesome!!!

has he got time to sign for wire and get off scot free before a decision is made??

At least it meant the 'Boots 'n All' was a proper RL magazine programme last night - something it hasn't managed since Uncle Rupert started SL.

Does the case have to be "proved" for the RFL to impose a provisional suspension?

The general tone of the press reporting appears to be along the lines of "guilty awaiting formal sentencing" rather than "charged but not yet convicted".

Given that the tests were supposedly carried out in November it seems inconceivable that they've announced this now whilst still in the midst of the testing process. And if the RFL follows WADA's "strict liability" policy, the "cough medicine defense" isnt actually a defense, its mitigation.

I just find it strange that the RFL are imposing a provisional suspension now. It begs the question why was the player allowed to play in the first 3 matches. Either impose the provisional suspension in November when the first results come back or wait until the case is "done and dusted".

Could it be something that's been prescribed for an over-productive tear gland?

Thread tidied: everyone calm down and play nicely, pse.

If 2nd sample comes back positive for what? I dont know do you, all we know is that he has taken a banned substance which could be anything at all, and until its proved conclusively one way or the other whether it is something sinister or just something he has taken inadvertently you would be wise to keep your own council instead of coming on here slating him. Whether you like it or not Newton is a Wakefield player and you as a supporter should either support him until he is found guilty or at least refrain from setting yourself up as judge and jury. Let the mischief makers from the other boards do the speculating.

A typical over reaction from one of our more volatile - shame - but folk never learn.

www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/fe ... -ban-drugs performance enhancing according to Andy Wilson

www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/fe ... -ban-drugs performance enhancing according to Andy Wilson