Sugar answers drugs issue with a straight bat

[one-eyed]

From the Herald-Sun:

HOW many times have you been drug tested since the start of last season?

Kane Johnson (Richmond): I didn't get tested last year.

HOW well does the league's illicit drugs policy work? If it's not working well, what needs to be changed?

Kane Johnson (Richmond): I think players know what their responsibilities are and what the rules and regulations are.

ARE you shocked by the events surrounding Ben Cousins this week?

Kane Johnson (Richmond): I don't wish to comment because I live in Melbourne and wouldn't know too much about West Coast.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21430846%255E19742,00.html

From the Age:

Kane Johnson Richmond

"I think it's trying to control the media. Honestly, I reckon controlling what the media puts out there … Obviously, there's a few players who have got a few (drug) issues in the AFL, but there's 600 players, and if you look at society, there's issues everywhere. We've got to tackle it as a society, not just as footballers."

http://www.realfooty.theage.com.au/realfooty/articles/2007/03/22/1174153255769.html

[Ox]

thanks for that kane.

[one-eyed]

Captains back testing
25 March 2007   Sunday Herald Sun
Jon Ralph

Richmond captain Kane Johnson has been drug tested only once in the past five years and believes there needs to be a greater disincentive for players tempted by drugs.

"I don't think it is enough," Johnson said of the current level of non-matchday testing.

"Obviously they are trying to get through as many people as they can, but I just haven't been tested that much."

The captains are worried a player could take the risk of trying drugs, aware they are likely to be tested less than once a year on average.

"I reckon we could do more, just to make sure everyone is clean," new captain Whitnall said. "The more testers are out there, the less chances there are of people getting away from it."

The captains believe the potential for the news to leak to the wider community means players should be able to rehabilitate without their coach or players being aware of a test.

Only Johnson and Whitnall believed players should be suspended after two positive strikes, with most happy to continue with the system of three positive tests.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21440852%255E19742,00.html