Otago Cricket knew Ryder was potentially facing a ban before they signed him. Chief executive Ross Dykes confirmed last night that Ryder and his manager Aaron Klee had been up front in discussions over a proposed switch from Wellington.
"They made a particular point of informing us that he had this test, it had been positive, there would be a hearing and possibly a stand-down period," Dykes said.
Otago appreciated Ryder's honesty, noted the offence was "a more harmless type of offence, a mistake rather than a deliberate taking of performance-enhancing drugs so we felt reasonably confident in proceeding with the transfer".
That said, Dykes admitted there was still some disappointment.
"The overriding thing for me is it's highlighted to us as administrators, and hopefully all players, that you have to be absolutely squeaky clean in all this.
"Just listening to somebody tell you something is okay, or just reading the label isn't enough.
"We have to make sure our players understand that and we have a responsibility to put methods in place that ensure they do."
