Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones has been suspended for 20 games without pay after violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The suspension includes mandatory evaluation through the Player Assistance Program. Jones attributes the positive test to a contaminated treatment for an injury.
The National Hockey League announced on its official website that Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Caleb Jones faces a 20-game suspension without pay for breaching the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. This decision, made under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, also requires Jones to undergo evaluation and potential treatment via the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
In a personal statement, Jones explained the circumstances surrounding his positive test: “I have been informed of my positive test result and suspension under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. At the time of the test, I was receiving an exosome therapy for a documented injury from an outside provider. I believe that my positive test was related to a contaminated substance associated with that treatment. While I did not use the prohibited substance intentionally or for performance enhancement, I understand that players are responsible for everything that enters their body and accept the discipline imposed by the program. I’m sorry to have let down my teammates, the Penguins organization, and our fans.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins organization issued a supportive response: “Caleb Jones informed us this week that he tested positive for a performance enhancing substance under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Throughout the process, Caleb has been forthcoming with the organization as to how he believes the positive test occurred. Caleb takes full responsibility for his actions, despite him being unaware that what he consumed was a prohibited substance at the time. The organization appreciates his transparency regarding this matter, and Caleb will follow all NHL and NHLPA protocols related to his suspension. Caleb has the full support of the Penguins organization, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the ice when he is cleared.”
The NHL provided no further comments on the matter, emphasizing the program's strict enforcement to maintain the integrity of the league.
