'We will not be bullied': Dons fire back at ASADA, launch court challengeCallum Twomey
afl.com.au
June 13, 2014 ESSENDON has fired a shot back at the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, alleging its joint investigation with the AFL into the club is unlawful and in breach of the ASADA act.
The Bombers have filed a Federal Court application against ASADA that aims to rule the case against the club "null and void”.
Essendon chairman Paul Little confirmed the move at a media conference on Friday afternoon.
“The board concluded unanimously that the club is left with no alternative but to fight to protect the reputations and livelihood of our players," Little said.
"There is no power or capacity under the ASADA act to conduct a joint investigation, and there never was.
"This challenge on the joint investigation is not merely a technical matter. The application to the federal court seeks to enforce the rule of law.
"If we are right, and we believe we are, the court will declare the investigation null and void. We will seek a permanent injunction of all of the information collected in that investigation."
Little said the club believed the letters outlining the allegations against each player do not contain any evidence to support the "very serious" allegations against the individuals.
Little questioned how the players could respond without understanding the evidence against them, and took aim at ASADA's "media blitz" and "grandstanding" throughout Friday, which has seen the organisation's new boss Ben McDevitt conduct numerous interviews.
"Enough is enough. We will not be bullied and will not allow our players to be hung out to dry any longer," Little said. "They have suffered enough."
Read more: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-13/dons-to-challenge-asada