Sporting Kansas City's Kortne Ford given 10-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drug
By Chris Smith
Sporting Kansas City defender Kortne Ford has been handed a 10-game suspension and fined 20 percent of his annual salary for violating Major League Soccer's Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Policy.
The 26-year-old center-back tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and sees his ban effective as of July 13.
During his suspension period, Ford may not participate in any exhibition games, friendlies or other tournaments, meaning he'll miss SKC's US Open Cup semi-final clash with the Sacramento Republic.
The defender will only be eligible to return on September 13 as SKC host DC United.
Ford joined Peter Vermes' side from fellow MLS outfit Colorado Rapids as a free agent at the start of the 2022 season and has since made 14 appearances across all competitions - including 12 in MLS play.
He wasn't included on any of SKC's previous four matchday rosters.