Soccer News: New York City FC midfielder Sebastian Velásquez has entered the Major League Soccer Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (“SABH”) Program pursuant to the SABH Policy. Velásquez will not be eligible to participate in any team activities until he is cleared for participation by the SABH Program doctors.
New York City FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said, “New York City FC are working closely with the league, the players union, and Sebastian Velasquez on this matter and will continue to work in cooperation with all involved parties and follow all appropriate procedures. At this time the Club has no further comment.”
MLS SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND POLICY STATES:
Pursuant to the SPA, at all times during his employment, a Player is required to comport and conduct himself, both on and off the field, to a high standard of honesty, fair play and sportsmanship and in a manner befitting his position as a representative and promoter of soccer and MLS and to comply with all applicable laws.
A Player shall be determined to violate the SABH Policy as follows: (i) through receipt of a Verified Positive, (ii) use or possession of any controlled substance without a prescription, (iii) abuse of a prescription drug, (iv) use of alcohol on work premises or reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or otherwise being affected at work by the consumption of alcohol, (iv) use or possession of Illegal Substances, (v) use or possession of Performance Enhancing Substances, (vi) violation of criminal law, (vii) domestic violence, (viii) illegal or excessive gambling, (ix) other behavioral health conditions.
