Action against Greater Western Sydney midfielder Lachie Whitfield and two former senior Giants staff over an alleged anti-doping breach is reportedly being considered by the AFL.
A report by the AFL’s integrity unit into Whitfield’s alleged attempts to avoid illicit drug testing in 2015 has been handed to the AFL and ASADA, News Corp Australia reports.
The findings have reportedly been discussed by the AFL’s executive.
The Giants have previously said an independent investigation vindicated Whitfield and found no significant basis to support allegations he had attempted to avoid drug testing.
It has been claimed former football manager Graeme Allan and former welfare manager Craig Lambert conspired for the player to stay at the latter’s home to avoid ASADA drug testers.
Allan is now at Collingwood and Lambert is with Brisbane.
The trio face multi-year bans if it is proved they conspired to evade or were complicit in seeking to evade a drug test.
It has also been reported Whitfield’s then-girlfriend had expressed concerns via email over his behaviour and potential use of illicit substances and there are incriminating text messages between her and the 2012 No.1 draft pick.
The AFL has been contacted for comment on Tuesday.
Joe
Guest
Only thing I can think of is maybe he already has strikes
Paul D
Roar Guru
If this is an example of the sort of "welfare" approach we can expect from Lambert at Brisbane I certainly wouldn't have a problem with him being suspended for a few years. Just dumb. Dumb, dumb, dumb. As you say, take the strike, self-report and get on with it. Would have got a slap on the wrist
Gr8rWestr
Guest
The thing about this whole thing is, given the AFL's self reporting mechanism, why would two highly respected and seasoned AFL administrators not advise a player who had taken illicit drugs to merely self report, resulting in minimal consequences, rather than aid the player in avoiding a possible drug test, with the possibility of significant bans, for all involved, if they were caught out. It makes no sense to me.
mdso
Guest
We know nothing is going to happen. Move on is the buzz word now, isn't it?