The investigation into use of supplements at Essendon was not prompted by the imminent release of a wide-ranging Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report, AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou says.
Demetriou was in Canberra on Thursday for the release of the ACC report into the integrity of Australian sport and the relationship between professional sporting bodies, prohibited substances and organised crime.
It came two days after Essendon revealed they were being investigated by the AFL and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) because of concerns about supplements supplied to the players last year.
“The Essendon story came about because the football club approached the AFL in recent days and asked the AFL and ASADA to conduct an investigation because they were being asked certain questions by people, including the media, and the chairman took it upon himself to ask various people around the club and then came to the AFL,” said Demetriou.
Demetriou said the AFL had set up its own integrity unit in 2008, believing at the time the greatest threats to the sport were gambling, performance-enhancing drugs and salary cap compliance.
“As time has gone by we have taken the opportunity for much more intelligence gathering – and with that intelligence gathering and information sharing that’s already in existence we’ve tackled a number of issues,” said Demetriou.
“The latest was in relation to the issue of betting. With the issue of performance-enhancing drugs, we were made privy to (it) by the Australian Crime Commission.
“It came as a shock as we have a very thorough and rigorous testing regime.
“But when you hear about organised crime and the sophisticated organisation of drugs and how the scientists are ahead of the testers, then you do have to rely on intelligence gathering.
“But we can do more.”
Demetriou said the AFL fully supported the recommended actions and protocols arising from the ACC report.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Hey, lay off Demetriou Matt, he's an old La Trobe boy. And he's not that obese either!
Brewski
Guest
Yep, wash your hair !! LOL.
Brewski
Guest
Staying off the sauce would obviously be a good start, going by that post.
Matt
Guest
I rather go wash my hair......enjoy ur night
Titus
Guest
I know naaarcink!
Matt
Guest
You're right, I need a AFL respect & responsibility towards spelling course & then the investigations officer can check that I'm sufficiently counselled that I realise my mistake & the club will endeavour to help me not repeat the spelling mistake.
Brewski
Guest
Do we ?, you mean thats your opinion, you have the floor, please explain.
Matt
Guest
Goes without saying, we all know its smoke & mirrors when it comes to Aussie Rules.
Brewski
Guest
That comment will go right over his head i reckon :)
Matt
Guest
Lol..
Brewski
Guest
Matt you forgot AFL puppets in the media, lack of respect & responsibility mantra and the extremist ideology most AFL fans have. Your slipping.
TC
Guest
I guess he will reign until he's sacked.
Matt
Guest
I find everything the obese boss of Aussie Rules says, his whole aim is to spin his sport in a positive light while pitting down all other sports. He should reign or be sacked.
delbeato
Roar Guru
I also find it hard to believe. Seems like damage control to me.
Redb
Roar Guru
I find this very hard to beleive given certain sections of the ACC report mirror the situation Essendon find themselves in.