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The Essendon supplements debacle has taken another twist, with Stephen Dank’s AFL appeal adjourned because of a family medical emergency.
The controversial sports scientist was supposed to front the AFL appeals board to contest his lifetime ban for doping offences on Monday morning.
But Dank’s former lawyers submitted a letter on Sunday morning, saying he could not attend.
Lawyers for the AFL and ASADA argued Dank’s appeal process had dragged on long enough and it should be thrown out after this latest development.
But after deliberating behind closed doors for more than half an hour, the appeal board said it would give Dank until 5pm on November 26 to give details of the medical emergency.
The board wants information such as the name of the hospital and a doctor’s report.
The hearing was also adjourned until Thursday, December 1.
The medical emergency reportedly is in Sydney.
“We note it was Mr Dank’s intention to appear in person, lead evidence and make oral submissions,” the letter on behalf of Dank said.
“Unfortunately Mr Dank has contacted the writer … distraught about the urgent admission of a family member into hospital.
“The condition of this family member is life-threatening and requires Mr Dank to be by their side.”
But the AFL and ASADA lawyers at the hearing were unimpressed.
“There is no court in the state that would’ve tolerated the way in which Dank has conducted this case and himself throughout this process,” AFL counsel Renee Enbom said in her submission.
“I don’t think anyone from this bar table was surprised to receive yesterday’s email. I checked my emails … waiting for the 11th hour request to adjourn this appeal again. It arrived on Sunday morning.
“I don’t think anyone at this table really expected Mr Dank to prosecute his appeal. He’s done just enough every time to keep it alive.
“It is time to bring this process to an end. Everyone involved, including the players, are entitled to some finality.”
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