The Josh Addo-Carr controversy has taken another turn, with the Bulldogs star winger standing himself down in the wake of a drug test scandal.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the former Origin winger will remove himself from contention for the Bulldogs return to finals footy, a day after allegations came to light that the player may have misled the team about the results of a roadside drug test.
The team's general manager Phil Gould initially came to the defence of his winger on social media, but it seems the Bulldogs will be undertaking a more thorough investigation.
Addo-Carr stands self down as drug test scandal escalates
Despite being a key part of the Bulldogs' success this season, Addo-Carr will miss the team's first finals game against the Sea Eagles this week, as the controversy around his alleged positive drug test grows.
There were some mutterings that the club would stand him down, but the 29-year-old took matters into his own hands, electing to sit out the game.
"We want to put up a good showing for our first time in the finals [since 2016]," team general manger Phil Gould said at a press conference Tuesday.
"We’ve got a big crowd coming, fans and supporters, there’ll be a lot disappointed that Josh isn’t playing.
"He’s a very, very popular player in our club and with our fan base, but in talking to Josh this morning he realised it was probably the right thing to do at the moment on behalf of the team and the club and I thank him for that.
"I hope he’s proven innocent, I hope everything he’s telling me is one hundred per cent right."
The winger took a urine test Monday that has since come back negative, but both he and the Bulldogs still await the official police ruling over the incident.
Addo-Carr was also absent from the team's awards night Monday, after the team advised him not to attend.
Tensions have risen around the scandal; Tuesday's media event was pre-registered only, with security at Belmore as the team goes into damage control days out from their first finals game in nearly a decade.
Phil Gould defends Addo-Carr after accusation
Earlier this week, Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould emphatically denied claims winger Josh Addo-Carr allegedly tested positive in a roadside drug test Friday, September 6.
The Daily Telegraph alleged the 29-year-old is under investigation by NSW Police after allegations he tested positive for cocaine.
It is claimed the drug test happened after a captains run at Accor Stadium on Friday, with an initial test returning a positive indication for drugs.
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It should be noted Addo-Carr has not been charged with any offence, as further testing of the sample is required.
NSW Police said in a statement: "About 10.45pm on Friday, officers attached to Auburn Police Area Command were patrolling Baywater Drive, Wentworth Point, when they stopped a Toyota hatchback for random testing."
"The driver - a 29-year-old man - was subject to roadside testing which allegedly returned a positive indication for cocaine. The sample has been sent for analysis."
According to The Daily Telegraph, a secondary test was conducted, which was sent away for further analysis, and a third test usually conducted to confirm the initial test could not go ahead due to police being "required to urgently attend an emergency incident nearby".
In a twist, Gould came out on X on Monday afternoon to deny Addo-Carr's test came back positive.
In a short statement, Gould said: "in response to circulating rumours and now several media enquiries regarding Josh Addo-Carr - On Friday evening Josh was pulled over and subjected to a random roadside drug test. The test results were negative and Josh was allowed to continue on his way. Happens to all of us at some stage on the roads. It’s the Police keeping the community safe. We appreciate their work. There is absolutely no truth to rumours that Josh had any issue. None whatsoever."
RUMOUR MILL REGARDING
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) September 9, 2024
JOSH ADDO-CARR
in response to circulating rumours and now several media enquiries regarding Josh Addo-Carr -
On Friday evening Josh was pulled over and subjected to a random roadside drug test. The test results were negative and Josh was allowed to…
However, in another twist, NRL reporter Danny Weidler claims the initial information the Bulldogs received was false, and they are now investigating the claims against their star winger further.
"The Bulldogs are now looking into the Josh Addo-Carr alleged roadside drug test positive. The initial information the club was given doesn't marry up with the police allegations. That is a significant issue," Weidler said in his tweet.
LATEST: The Bulldogs are now looking into the Josh Addo-Carr alleged roadside drug test positive. The initial information the club was given doesn't marry up with the police allegations. That is a significant issue. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) September 9, 2024
It is hardly ideal news for the Bulldogs, who are preparing for their first finals game since 2016 when they host Manly on Sunday.
The Bulldogs have lost two matches in a row, and will be hoping the off-the-field drama does not distract them from the task at hand; Addo-Carr missed the final game of the regualar season due to a leg injury.
