Bermuda Council for Drug Free Sport (BCDS) have responded with a lengthy statement (see Page 22) following allegations that proper procedure wasn?t followed in the drug testing of Devonshire Cougars? national squad players prior to the visit by Brazilian side, Santos, last year.

Devonshire Recreation Club secretary Ellsworth Christopher last week called for the resignation of all standing BCDS members and for Bermuda Football Association to launch an investigation into what he called a ?cover-up? surrounding the circumstances which led to the banning of Cougars players Omar Butterfield, Heys Wolfe and Raymond Beach.

Conflicting test results following analysis by the Government Laboratory and drug testing agency Benedict Associates sparked accusations that the procedure had been ?flawed.?

Devonshire Recreation Club also alleged that their players had been ?unfairly treated.?

However, while not mentioning any of the players by name, the BCDS yesterday attempted to set the record straight, assuring that there had been ?no witchhunt against any athletes or clubs.?

And they demanded an investigation of their own on how confidential documents regarding the drug tests were leaked to

?One of the cornerstones insisted upon by the inaugural committee and NSGBs (National Sports Governing Bodies) was the right of privacy and confidentiality of the athletes, in as far as can possibly be managed,? read the statement.

?We are therefore shocked that has details of particular testing.

?We can assure the public that this information has not come from us, and as the reporter constantly refers to an ?official from Devonshire Rec? we are left to assume that this confidential information was given to by this official.

?One can but hope that the club will launch an investigation as to how such a leak could occur.?