Door not closed on Bomber doping infractionsBy Nick Bowen and Matt Thompson
afl.com.au
Wednesday, August 28, 2013AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou has warned that although no drug infraction notices have been issued against Essendon players, ASADA's investigation into the Bombers' 2011-12 supplements program remains ongoing.
"Our announcement today makes it very clear that in the case of the Essendon Football Club and the individuals that they were involved in a situation that provided a risk to their players for the use of prohibited substances," Demetriou said.
"Having said that through our general counsel, and it's still the position today, there is no evidence at the moment to issue infraction notices about the use of prohibited substances.
"ASADA have made it very clear that they have an ongoing investigation so that part of it remains open."
Demetriou said it was entirely up to ASADA as to whether they issued new charges about Essendon players.
Demetriou also said the AFL had no intention of stripping Essendon captain Jobe Watson of his 2012 Brownlow Medal.
"As it stands today, Jobe Watson hasn't been handed an infraction notice," Demetriou said.
"We haven't got a view, we haven't formed a view, we're not planning to do anything about his Brownlow Medal."
Demetriou said the AFL would "absolutely" encourage ASASA to use the coercive legislative powers it was given in August to compel Dank to give evidence, suggesting it was only a matter of time before the government agency did.
"They are going through a process now where they can exercise those powers effectively and it's only a timing issue," Demetriou said.
Demetriou said the AFL, which unsuccessfully requested an interview with Dank during its investigation into Essendon, would still welcome the chance to speak with the controversial sports scientist, emphasising the AFL Commission still had the power to sanction him as a former football club employee.
"We are blessed to have the greatest game on earth but unfortunately sometimes the actions of one or two people can cause significant damage to fine people's reputations," Demetriou said.
"And I think if Stephen Dank wants to come forward and present himself before the AFL Commission or ASADA he's more than welcome to put himself forward because he's got a lot to answer for. "
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-27/door-not-closed-on-bomber-doping-infractions