AFL star suspended for failing a drug test is charged with possessing marijuana after sniffer dogs ‘found it hidden in his pants at the airport’
AFL star Willie Rioli has allegedly been busted with cannabis hidden in his pants at an airport in the Northern Territory.
The West Eagles star, 25, was allegedly found with 25 grams of the substance and has been charged with possessing a schedule Two dangerous drug, less than traffickable quantity, in a public place.
The talented forward, who is currently serving a suspension after getting caught trying to use a fake urine for an AFL drug test, will face court on May 12.
He had been due to return to training in June and was eligible being playing from August 20 – two years since his doping offense.
News of Rioli’s arrest came just days after his cousin Daniel Rioli of Richmond was involved in a nightclub fight which left him with a facial laceration.
AFL star Willie Rioli has allegedly been busted with cannabis hidden in his pants at an airport in the Northern Territory. Pictured after winning the 2018 AFL premiership
The West Eagles star, 25, was allegedly found with 25 grams of the substance
The premiership-wining player was found to have ‘adverse analytical finding’ detected in a drug test taken on August 20, 2019.
Rioli also tested positive to cannabis in a second drug test following the Eagles’ elimination final win against Essendon on September 5.
NT Police said officers conducted drug screening operations at Darwin Airport on April 23.
‘Drug Detection Dog April provided a conditioned response to the male,’ a statement said.
‘A search was conducted and 25 grams of cannabis was located in the man’s pants.’
At the time he took to social media to apologise to family and friends.
‘(I) just want to thank all my real family and friends for all the love and support through this tough time. I’m so sorry I had to put yous all through this,’ he posted.
‘This lil mistake is a lesson to be learnt. This definitely doesn’t define me as a person.’
The small forward tested positive to cannabis in a second failed drug test after the Eagles’ elimination final win against Essendon on September 5.
The talented forward (pictured) who is currently serving a suspension after getting caught trying to switch a urine sample for an AFL drug test, will face court on May 12.
Born on Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory, Rioli has played 38 games for the Eagles since making his AFL debut in round two of the 2018 season.
He is part of the famous Rioli football family, which stems from his uncle Maurice Rioli who won the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in the 1982 grand final.
Also among Willie Rioli’s cousins are former Hawthorn premiership great Cyril Rioli, Essendon premiership player Dean Rioli, former Geelong leading goalkicker Ronnie Burns.
This weekend, his other cousin Daniel Rioli said he was punched after confronting a man who had insulted his girlfriend.
Teammate Shai Bolton came to his aid and ended up with a broken wrist that was expected to sideline him for three weeks.