The University of Waterloo has suspended its football team for the entire 2010 season over a steroid scandal.
As many as nine potential doping violations were discovered during a mass test of 62 Warriors players.
As well, two players received suspensions and a former player faces charges in connection with a police probe into steroid trafficking.
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, Canadian Interuniversity Sport and the university held a news conference Monday to announce the findings of a sweeping probe of players in the football program.
On March 31, more than 80 urine and blood samples were taken, at the initiative of the university, resulting in the nine infractions.
A urine test from first-year player Jordan Meredith found Tamoxifen, which is commonly used by athletes to fight steroid side-effects. It is a banned substance and is included on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Meredith, a linebacker, waived his right to a hearing and admitted to using the substance. He is ineligible to play for two years.
Another linebacker, second-year student Joe Surgenor, also admitted steroid use and received the same penalty.
The Waterloo Regional Police have charged former Warrior Nathan Zettler with possession of steroids and human growth hormone for the purpose of trafficking.
"This is the most significant doping issue in CIS history, and we're taking it very seriously," CIS chief executive officer Marg McGregor said in a news release.
"This situation illustrates that the CIS doping control program needs to be strengthened to ensure a level playing field and protect the rights of the vast majority of student-athletes who respect the rules and complete clean."
The university said head football coach Dennis McPhee and assistant coach Marshall Bingeman had been placed on paid leave while the school reviewed the situation.
University officials, however, added that the move did not indicate an assumption of involvement from the coaches.
"That review will commence immediately," the university said in a statement.
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