If Stephen Dank had come to Richmond and we were in the same predicament and we handled it the same belligerent, denialist, lets go to court way Essendrug did, I'd go barrack for some other team or watch NFL or something. The players still think they are innocent by crikey.
It's like they are saying I didn't know the speed limit was 40 gov, I'm innocent. Utter rubbish, ignorance has never been an excuse under the law. My neighbors an ex victorian state league hockey player, he points out at under 21 hockey they are getting tested all the time at state league and they need to know all the rules at that level. AFL players have no real excuse not to know, though I do admit its very easy to take something illegal bought from your local Coles.
Back to Richmond though, If on the other hand they had admitted guilt straight away, taken the suspension (which at the time 6 months was on the table) and Cotchin had handed his Brownlow back as I imagine Cotch would because he is such an honest man. I would totally support those players to return to the club and play out their careers.
I wouldn't support Dank, Gale or Hardwick to return and I would expect a lot, maybe the entire, board to turn over in 2 or 3 seasons to minimize disruption at that level but provide some continuity.
