AFL Players’ Association chief Matt Finnis says the league’s statement of grounds outlining charges against Essendon over the club’s use of supplements is shocking and distressing.
Finnis has slammed the Bombers for not providing a safe workplace for their players and says the situation should never be repeated.
“The notice of charge against the Essendon Football Club and supporting statement of grounds issued by the AFL today is a disturbing read,” Finnis said on Wednesday, reading from a prepared statement.
Finnis said he had already read ASADA’s interim report into Essendon’s use of supplements in 2012, so seeing Wednesday’s charge sheet was not a surprise for him.
“But it is no less distressing to read,” Finnis said.
He said the Bombers, senior coach James Hird and three other officials including team doctor Bruce Reid charged with bringing the league into disrepute would have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.
Finnis said it was rightly up to the AFL Commission on breaches of its rules, penalties and processes.
“But it’s my job as the head of the players’ association to demand a safe workplace for our players,” Finnis said.
“Our association has no tolerance for conduct that compromises the duty of care to our players,” he said.
“The issues raised by doctor Bruce Reid in January 2012 go to the heart of many of our concerns.
“The injecting of players in the absence of medical supervision. Administering drugs to players without prescription or approval from the club doctor.
“The use of drugs which are not approved for human use and substances which are specifically designed for treating ailments not related to athletic performance.
“Let alone the evolution of a culture of supplement-taking where (an) experienced club doctor feels he is letting the club down by not automatically approving these things.
“These are all things that I never expected to see in our sport. It is shocking to see that the concerns of health professionals can be ignored in a club that seems intent on pushing the boundaries regardless of their potential impact.”
“It is not apparent to me based on my reading of the interim report how the club can be certain that no player’s health was put at risk by virtue of its supplements program.”
Finnis says if Essendon’s players have escaped negative health effects, that can attributed more to good luck than good management.
“This must never happen again,” he said.
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