‘Let himself down’: Former Black Caps star tests positive for cocaine

NZC’s Scott Weenink: “Doug has let himself down” after cocaine sanction. Photo / Getty Images
Former Black Caps bowler Doug Bracewell has been handed a one-month ban from cricket, having been found to have used cocaine.
Bracewell, 34, tested positive for the banned substance after a Twenty20 match for Central Districts against Wellington in January this year. That game saw Bracewell claim man-of-the-match honours in the Stags’ six-wicket victory, taking 2/21 with the ball, score an unbeaten 30 off just 11 balls, and claim two catches.
The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui accepted that the use of cocaine had come outside of competition, and was therefore unrelated to sport.
As a result, Bracewell was handed a one-month sanction backdated to April 2024, which was reduced from a three-month ban, after the completion of a treatment programme.
Because the sanction was backdated, it has been ruled that Bracewell’s suspension has been served, and is clear to take part in cricket once again.
“Athletes have a responsibility to set a positive example, especially for the tamariki and rangatahi who look up to them,” said Sport Integrity Commission chief executive Rebecca Rolls.
“Their actions, both on and off the field, influence the next generation of athletes, and it’s essential that they act as role models by making healthy, responsible choices.
“Recreational drugs, including cocaine, are illegal and can pose a real threat to the health and safety of athletes and their teammates.
“It’s not always known what’s in these substances or their strength, which makes them unpredictable and dangerous.
“Their use is a serious issue at all levels of sport and recreation, and we want to work with both sports organisations and athletes to tackle this problem.”
New Zealand Cricket chief executive said Bracewell had “let himself down”, but the organisation was supporting him.
“NZC is committed to promoting safe and responsible behaviours and is frustrated at this latest turn of events,” he said.
“Doug accepts full responsibility for his error of judgement; the consequences of his behaviour, and the penalty imposed. As an organisation, we will continue to provide support for Doug – who is fully aware of our expectations moving forward.”
In 2017, Bracewell was sentenced to 100 hours of community work and disqualified from driving for 12 months after admitting to driving at more than three times the legal limit.
He was pulled over on East Rd in Haumoana in March and recorded a breath-alcohol reading of 783mcg. The legal limit is 250mcg.
In 2017, Bracewell was sentenced to 100 hours of community work and disqualified from driving for 12 months after pleading guilty to drink-driving in Hawke’s Bay after dogs ate his pet parrot.
The court was told Bracewell had a few drinks at a function when he got a call from his distressed partner telling him their pet cockatoo had been killed by dogs. He then decided to drive home out of “genuine concern” for his partner.
In 2010 Bracewell was convicted in the Masterton District Court for driving with excess breath alcohol when he was 20 years old. He was sentenced to six months’ supervision and disqualified from driving for eight months.
He was first convicted of drink-driving in in the Napier District Court in 2008, at 18 years old, for a breath-alcohol reading of 877; more than double the legal limit of 400mcg that applied at the time.
He was fined $500 and disqualified from driving for six months.
Since his debut in 2011, Bracewell has played 28 tests, 21 one-day internationals, and 20 Twenty20 Internationals for the Black Caps.