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Fava dropped for alcohol breach
By Jon Geddes
February 14, 2006
WESTERN Force coach John Mitchell has dropped his best player, Scott Fava, from the starting side this week after he recorded a blood-alcohol level higher than the team allows the day after a game.
While Fava showed no signs of being affected by alcohol and was fit to train after the Brumbies game last Friday, a compulsory breath test recorded a level higher than the benchmark set for a recovery session.
The hardline policy is part of the strong disciplinary standards Mitchell has set for the new Perth side.
"We like players to enjoy themselves after a game, but there are internal standards that have been set to help with our recovery and our preparation and they have to be met," Mitchell said.
The dynamic forward - who has been selected in the Australia Sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games along with fellow Wallabies Lote Tuqiri, Chris Latham and Matt Giteau - had a couple of drinks after the game with his wife and former Brumbies teammates.
"I was part of the unity council that put the standard in place and I'm not shying away from this," Fava said.
"After every game we get breath-tested and it was an oversight on my behalf. I let myself down in a big way."
Fava said the strong action was part of developing a culture for Force.
"It will also help the young guys know this is the policy and don't go outside it or you will be dropped," Fava said.
He will be on the bench for Saturday's game with the Hurricanes.
The Daily Telegraph