Carlton's Lachie Cowan Faces Two-Game AFL Ban Over Alleged Drug Incident
Teammate Will Hayward reportedly cleared after separate hospital visits following a house party.
Carlton star Lachie Cowan is expected to receive a two-game ban from the Australian Football League (AFL) following allegations of recreational drug use at a house party. Teammate Will Hayward, who also required hospital treatment after the same incident, is reportedly set to be cleared by the league.
AFL's official announcement regarding the sanctions is anticipated on Friday. The incidents occurred on Sunday morning after a gathering at a Carlton player's residence.
Both the AFL and Carlton were contacted for comment after media reports surfaced on Thursday detailing the league's verdicts. Sources indicate that Cowan's penalty had not been finalized, and there has been no official confirmation regarding illicit drug use at the party.
This situation draws parallels to previous AFL penalties. Hawthorn player Jack Ginnivan received a two-match ban for a similar incident during his time at Collingwood, and Bailey Smith of the Western Bulldogs also faced a two-match suspension for drug use before moving to Geelong.
Carlton's football boss, Chris Davies, stated on Wednesday evening that both Cowan and Hayward were embarrassed by the events but were recovering. The club had confirmed on Sunday that both players were hospitalized for separate reasons.
Cowan received medical treatment and observation before being discharged. Hayward admitted himself to the hospital for stitches after sustaining a minor cut to the head. Ambulance Victoria confirmed that paramedics responded to an incident in inner-suburban South Yarra early Sunday morning.
