AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has confirmed there is no suggestion that the charged Essendon players had any knowledge of alleged doping.
But the league’s chief executive also concedes that does not give them a defence under strict anti-doping rules.
Next Tuesday, the AFL anti-doping tribunal will hand down verdicts on the 34 past and current Essendon players.
The tribunal will deliver its decision from 2pm in a closed hearing at AFL House.
“I really feel for the players and our priority here is their health and wellbeing,” McLachlan told 3AW.
“Whatever the tribunal finds, I haven’t seen one bit of evidence that says in any way, whatever was injected into those players, that they had any knowledge that it may have been anything other than legal and appropriate.”
McLachlan said he had read the majority of the evidence from the anti-doping tribunal hearings and the closing submissions.
“ASADA has never alleged the players actually had any knowing part in whatever happened,” he said.
But he also admitted that will not save the players if the tribunal finds that anti-doping offences took place during Essendon’s controversial 2012 supplements program.
“It’s not a defence under the code,” he said.
When asked if the players’ ignorance should mean they are let off, McLachlan replied: “I’m not going to get into all that – we need resolution.”
While there are various avenues of appeal, whatever the verdicts, McLachlan hopes the saga will soon end.
“Everyone wants an end to this – it’s gone far too long and we just need a resolution,” he said.
If any players are found guilty, the tribunal will have to sit again to decide on penalties.
“It will be complicated and again it will be a frustrating process if that’s what the decision is,” he said.
Next Tuesday’s verdicts will come only two days before the season starts.
“If there was any ever doubt, I think it shows the independence of the tribunal,” McLachlan said of the timing.
“It’s a challenging date – it’s been a challenging process, a challenging issue.”
anchorman
Guest
Does he have the right to be making comment now!!! I find it rather strange he is commenting when the verdict is due very soon
Bobbo7
Guest
And if they are not I expect you to be calling for Hird's head? Or do you just blindly support no matter what?
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
Exactly right Gecko, the players must have had some suspicions or at least concerns. The players are well educated about what they can and cannot take and to check their medications first if they are in any doubt. Case in point Ryan Crowley. The senior players showed very poor leadership in not asking more questions about the program. Perhaps their penalties (if any are handed down) should be heavier than the younger players.
Wilson
Roar Guru
The other things that need to be looked at is that ASADA has stated that if it does not believe that the suspension is not long enough in its eye it will appeal the decision. So this could go on for the rest of the season.
Richard
Guest
Tick off another season dominated by this. Ho hum.
Jano
Guest
They won't get to wear those lovely special Anzac Day jumpers ...
Nicko
Guest
Very much agree with your summation. I presume that if they are found guilty, they will not play pending an appeal/sentencing given that they sat out the NAB Cup...I guess that means that the Tribunal will meet a.s.a.p....probably within the week?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Two important things from these comments by Gillon: 1. It sounds very much like they are going to be found guilty. 2. If found guilty, we probably won't have sanctions handed down before the start of the season. Very interesting indeed.
Jano
Guest
Ignorance (feigned or otherwise) might be bliss, but it's no defense.
Ant
Guest
Amen Jeff!
samw
Guest
He's being diplomatic, but of course they knew. As dumb as footballers can be, it's not believable in the slightest that *none* of them had any idea. Two year bans will be well deserved.
Greg
Guest
Wheel those guilty into the AFL Tribunal. Find them guilty and then head off for lunch. There can be no other resxult. Funny though, how the Essendon supporters have gone inexplicably quiet.
Mikey
Guest
Jakarta Jeff - suggesting Essendon will be "flying high" probably wasn't the best choice of words.
Gecko
Guest
McLachlan that's a cover-up. Of course they had knowledge. They weren't injured so they knew it was for performance enhancement and the stuff was being injected into their stomach so they knew it wasn't just a sugar fix. And it was all hush-hush, with no records being kept (if you believe the club) and many injections taking place off-site. I sympathise for the younger players but the senior players should have shown better leadership.
Paul
Guest
The only flying high the Bombres should be doing is when they are going on an early holiday
Jakarta Jeff
Guest
Essendon players will be full exonerated and a top 4 position beckons. So wot to do wotdoo? Get used to hearing the mighty Essendon flying high! Essendon have been slandered, abused, kicked and spat on and it's time it all ended and we got back to football instead of slanderous innuendo!