BRACEWELL BANNED FOR DRUG USE

FORMER New Zealand allrounder Doug Bracewell has been suspended for a month after testing positive for cocaine, the country’s Sport Integrity Commission said.

The 34-year-old failed a drugs test after a domestic T20 game in January.

The commission said it accepted that Bracewell used the substance out of competition, and it was therefore unrelated to sport.

As a result, an initial three-month ban was reduced to one month after he completed a treatment programme.

Commission chief executive Rebecca Rolls said in a statement late on Monday that athletes had a responsibility to set a positive example.

“Recreational drugs, including cocaine, are illegal and can pose a real threat to the health and safety of athletes and their teammates,” she said.

“Their use is a serious issue at all levels of sport and recreation, and we want to work with both sports organisations and athletes to tackle this problem.”

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said Bracewell, who played 28 tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20 internationals, had let himself down.

“Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgement, the consequences of his behaviour, and the penalty imposed,” he said.

“As an organisation, we will continue to provide support for Doug — who is fully aware of our expectations moving forward.” — SuperSport.