Former Essendon coach James Hird has slammed the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision to hand 12-month bans to 34 current and former players, labelling it a “miscarriage of justice”.
CAS upheld the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal against the AFL tribunal decision to clear 34 players of taking the banned substance thymosin-beta 4 while Hird was coach.
“I am shocked by this decision,” Hird said in a statement.
“This is a miscarriage of justice for the 34 young men.”
Hird, who served a 12-month suspension for his part in the supplements saga, resigned as coach in August.
“I firmly believe the players do not deserve this finding,” Hird said.
“They do not deserve to face a 12-month suspension from the sport.
“I will not be making any further comment today. I intend to make further comment later in the week.”
Twelve Bombers players including skipper Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker and Michael Hurley have been banned.
Five are at other clubs – Jake Carlisle (St Kilda), Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs), Jake Melksham (Melbourne) and Port Adelaide pair Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder.
spiderweb
Guest
Come on James show us this secret evidence that proves you and the EFC are squeaky clean
PiratesRugby
Guest
Hird continues to show his quality as a leader.
Bobbo7
Guest
The coolaide drinkers are still at the fountain. Tasting a bit sour today but they are still there.
Ian
Guest
LOL, why am I not surprised Casper and Conchie (the regular football tab visitors) support Hird? Now that the Wolrd Anti Doping Agency has intervened they have the international recognition the AFL desires
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Roar readers like 'Mike', 'Vicki', 'Casper', Redb', 'Conchie', 'Whatsthepoint', the provactive (but funny) 'DonFreo' (who barracks for Freo??!!) and even the more reasonable 'Aransan' have patriotically defended Hird and Essendon with assertions they have been part of a witch hunt and that the AFL and ASADA were treasonous to investigate them. In Mike's case, a lot of his posts were laced with bile and invectives. Hopefully their eyes have opened-up by now.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Does anyone think Hird will accept responsibility for the situation he put all 34 players in and apologise to them for ruining their careers? No? So its not just me then?
Hansie
Guest
Hird badly let down his players; there is no miscarriage of justice, it's more like a miscarriage of governance. Hird is primarily to blame for this predicament.
BennO
Guest
That almost reads like an admission that they did indeed inject the players without full disclosure of what it was. Otherwise, how could you argue the players don't deserve it? I understand and agree with the decision but it seems hurdle would only make that point if the club really did deceive the players. Otherwise they'd be throwing the players under the bus saying they knew all along. Gees this is a disgraceful episode.
WhereIsGene
Guest
Was anyone actually expecting Hird to take any responsibility with his statement? Its ALWAYS someone else's fault with James.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I suppose he's bound to dig his heels in, but jeez. Fighting a losing battle James. Hopefully some day he understands the consequences of his actions and makes his amends. Maybe people will be more forgiving once the dust has settled.
joe b
Guest
James really ought to start contributing to the Comments section of online articles, I reckon he would love making wacky statements all day long.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Whatever