That's only as long as they are a signatory. I just meant literally speaking. I can't see the AFL removing itself and drawing up its own code. That just wouldn't be a good look, and image how bad it would look if this happened again and they dealt with it in house, again. There would be no path of appeal for the plaintiff then either.
That's only as long as they are a signatory. I just meant literally speaking. I can't see the AFL removing itself and drawing up its own code. That just wouldn't be a good look, and image how bad it would look if this happened again and they dealt with it in house, again. There would be no path of appeal for the plaintiff then either.
The AFL actually resisted signing with WADA until the very last moment and only the threat of a loss of any government funding forced its hand.
I'd say it was for this very reason, they don't want other agencies having the power to make game changing decisions.
The AFL tribunal set the bar too high when it came to comfortable satisfaction. Gerard Whateley said they would have found Lance Armstrong innocent with their interpretation.
I now think that the players are stuffed.
Lance Armstrong confessed and even before that they had witnesses who were confessing to being involved in the same doping program and naming Armstrong as a participant.
Think about this.
You go to a pub and order light beers so you can safely drive home. It turns out that the bartender you are trusting to serve your drinks likes to lace them with vodka, but he claims it is non-alcoholic vodka. The orders for it aren't clear either way.
You weren't breathalysed on the night and there is no evidence to say that you ever consumed any vodka at all.
If the cops came around 3 years later and suspended your licence for 2 years I reckon you would be dirty.
I have hated Essendon all my life but if these players are suspended it is a disgrace.