The Australian Article:
James Hird could leave Essendon in AFL deal
by: Chip Le Grand
From: The Australian August 23, 2013 12:19PM
JAMES Hird could stand down as Essendon coach under a settlement to the supplement scandal being negotiated between the club and AFL.
The Australian understands the AFL and the club are currently locked in discussions to finalise a resolution to the damaging dispute.
Under the terms being negotiated, Hird would step down as Essendon coach and the Bombers would be stripped of all premiership points for this season.
The club would retain its draft picks and the allegations against Essendon would be substantially downgraded to reflect poor management and governance, rather than doping.
Hird who would be free continue his legal action against the AFL and defend the charges against him.
Hird, Essendon football manger Danny Corcoran, assistant coach Mark Thompson and club doctor Bruce Reid would still face charges of conduct unbecoming or prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.
The agreement, if accepted, would result in the club taking no part in next month's finals series. However, the retention of draft picks will ensure the fall-out from the crisis is largely limited to this season.
The agreement would enable the AFL's case against Essendon to be resolved at Monday's AFL Commission meeting, bringing closure to the most damaging scandal the game has faced.
Hird today was this morning unable to attend a scheduled press conference with an Essendon spokesman saying he was stuck in meetings.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/pointless-bombers-lose-james-hird/story-e6frg7mf-1226702664839