Former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank will be asked about a banned peptide but not AOD-9604Herald-Sun
March 15, 2014ASADA’S show-cause letter to Stephen Dank deals in part with the alleged administration of several banned supplements to Essendon players.
Among the drugs referred to in the show-cause letter handed to Dank’s lawyers is the banned peptide Thymosin Beta-4, the possible use of which was a focus in the AFL’s charges against Essendon and ASADA’s interim report last year.
The letter does not refer to contentious drug AOD-9604.
Dank, Essendon’s former sports scientist, has consistently denied ever giving players banned drugs and has indicated he will pursue legal redress rather than respond to the show-cause letter.
The anti-doping body has asked Dank to explain 34 potential non-presence anti-doping rule violations, some of which also pertain to supply and administration to Essendon staff.
But a source close to the case said it did not follow that there was enough specific evidence to warrant action against individual Bombers.
Fox Footy's AFL 360 co-host Mark Robinson thinks the 'show cause' letter issued to Stephen Dank could be a significant moment in ASADA's investigation.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he felt for the players, who are just six days from their season-opening clash with North Melbourne.
“It would be almost impossible to make yourself immune to what’s going on around you, of course it would have some effect,” Demetriou said.
Dank’s lawyers described the show-cause letter as a fishing expedition sent in lieu of an interview.
It comprises of a series of questions about Dank’s conduct at his time at Essendon from late 2011 to late 2012.
Among the substances referred to in the letter are Fibroblast Growth Factors; Mechano Growth Factor; Human Growth Hormone; Hexarelin; SARMS and Thymosin Beta-4.
Dank has 10 days from receipt of the notice to give a written submission answering the 34 points, or put in writing that he has waived his right of reply.
It is understood Dank’s lawyers intend to contest the validity of the show-cause notice and other aspects of the investigation.
Young Essendon star Dyson Heppell isn't concerned for his future health, despite being named as one of 12 players in the ASADA report into Essendon's 2012 supplement program.
There is also a legal question about whether — as a contracted consultant — Dank strictly fits into the category of a support person for the purposes of applying the AFL’s Anti-Doping Code.
If Dank does not respond to ASADA, the body can recommend the Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel consider putting him on the Register of Findings, resulting in the AFL issuing an infraction notice and — theoretically, at least — convening an AFL tribunal to hear the case and decide penalties.
Court action could derail that process at several stages.
Demetriou, against whom Dank’s lawyers are still considering defamation action, said it was “long overdue” that questions has been asked of Dank.
“It’s disappointing it’s happening on the eve of the season, I would have preferred it being sent earlier but it is what it is and it’s not a surprise,” he said on 3AW.
“We’ve welcomed the appointment of Federal Court judge Garry Downes, his role is to expedite the process and bring finality to this issue and his timetable is the end of April and it would appear he’s working towards that and I think that’s good for everybody.”
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