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Collingwood defender Sam Murray is being investigated by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), his AFL club has confirmed.
In a statement, the Collingwood Football Club said Murray has sought independent legal advice while the ASADA investigation takes place.
Collingwood CEO Mark Anderson said it would be inappropriate to pre-empt ASADA's investigation but the club will offer personal support to Murray.
"I would like to reinforce that Collingwood is unequivocally committed to the cause of eliminating drugs in sport," Mr Anderson said.
"In addition to ensuring we comply fully with the ASADA process, we are also ensuring that we support Sam as a person.
"Whatever the outcome of the ASADA investigation, the welfare of a young man must remain a priority and we are committed to providing the support that Sam needs."
The club would not say what anti-doping rule violation Murray was under investigation for, and ASADA declined to provide any details.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan told Melbourne radio station 3AW he was also unable to elaborate on the details of the investigation.
"I'm not able to comment," he said.
"I think it's been confirmed there's a process on foot, but other than that my advice is I'm not able to comment on any part of the process as it plays out."
The AFL Players' Association said in a statement it was supporting Murray with legal and wellbeing support and requested that his privacy be respected.
20-year-old Murray is from regional Victoria. He has played 13 games for Collingwood in the 2018 season after he was traded from Sydney last year.
He was omitted from the Magpies side that defeated Port Adelaide on Saturday and has not been named in the side to play Fremantle in Perth tomorrow.
Topics: drugs-and-substance-abuse, doping-in-sports, sport, melbourne-3000, collingwood-3066, vic
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