Bombers scandal: charged, <redacted> and <infracted>

[Red and Bluebeard 2,101]

I agree in the case where it is proved that the substances injected are banned or possibly awaiting WADA assessment but if the evidence strongly indicates banned substances without direct proof, the capacity to whitewash is limitless.

I see where you are coming from, but there is also the chance that the AFL will impose some penalty even if they are found not guilty, just to remind euveryone who is the boss ...

[Demon Dynasty 17,130]

I agree in the case where it is proved that the substances injected are banned or possibly awaiting WADA assessment but if the evidence strongly indicates banned substances without direct proof, the capacity to whitewash is limitless.

And a whitewash it shall be.

Vlad also seems at pains to push the fact that the outcome won't be forthcoming until well into the season proper ......

"Our expectation will be that this will go on for months."

"No, I don't think you're going to see a result for months"

"ASADA are going to be very thorough and very diligent. These things don't happen quickly"

This plays into the AFL's hands beautifully, insuring the Bombers (and the whole Comp) is off to a nice "steady as she goes" start, regardless of the "AFL determined" punishment.

No wonder David Evans is confident everyone at a senior level within the Essendon FD will more than likely retain their place, even prior to their own review being conducted.

This confidence, seemingly against all odds, is quite evident amongst the Bomber's coaching staff as well. And while we're on the topic, shouldn't this so called 'independant review' have been called for and run by the AFL itself, once they were made aware of so called "irregular practices"?? Doesn't anyone else think it's a little strange that they (the AFL) should leave it to the club to conduct its own review, considering the weight of the allegations?

Evans also said that Essendon members deserved to know the truth about what led to the ASADA investigation. Saying at one point, "We just want to get to the heart of what happened - we think the members are owed that. I want to ensure we give answers to our members about what happened and why, and put in place practices to ensure it doesn't happen again."

What about the greater overall interest of the AFL and the game itself? Isn't this part of why the AFL exists? To govern and oversee the game and clubs as a whole in the best interest of all involved and to ensure the future success/growth of the game/brand? Then again maybe it (the AFL) has been flying by the seat of its pants on this, hence the announcement a few weeks back by McLachlan to try and piece together an AFL charter.

Would love to know what NFL management think about an AFL led punishment!

[Longsufferingnomore 1,670]

And a whitewash it shall be.

Vlad also seems at pains to push the fact that the outcome won't be forthcoming until well into the season proper ......

"Our expectation will be that this will go on for months."

"No, I don't think you're going to see a result for months"

"ASADA are going to be very thorough and very diligent. These things don't happen quickly"

This plays into the AFL's hands beautifully, insuring the Bombers (and the whole Comp) is off to a nice "steady as she goes" start, regardless of the "AFL determined" punishment.

No wonder David Evans is confident everyone at a senior level within the Essendon FD will more than likely retain their place, even prior to their own review being conducted.

This confidence, seemingly against all odds, is quite evident amongst the Bomber's coaching staff as well. And while we're on the topic, shouldn't this so called 'independant review' have been called for and run by the AFL itself, once they were made aware of so called "irregular practices"?? Doesn't anyone else think it's a little strange that they (the AFL) should leave it to the club to conduct its own review, considering the weight of the allegations?

Evans also said that Essendon members deserved to know the truth about what led to the ASADA investigation. Saying at one point, "We just want to get to the heart of what happened - we think the members are owed that. I want to ensure we give answers to our members about what happened and why, and put in place practices to ensure it doesn't happen again."

What about the greater overall interest of the AFL and the game itself? Isn't this part of why the AFL exists? To govern and oversee the game and clubs as a whole in the best interest of all involved and to ensure the future success/growth of the game/brand? Then again maybe it (the AFL) has been flying by the seat of its pants on this, hence the announcement a few weeks back by McLachlan to try and piece together an AFL charter.

Would love to know what NFL management think about an AFL led punishment!

An independent review by an Essendon supporter. Be like Mike Fitzpatrick looking into Carltank. Does this "review" get sent to AFL HQ. How much of the "review" will be seen by the outside world or will it be kept locked up and for Essendon hierarchy eyes only. What good is that. As I have said there is a smell emanating from AFL HQ - a very strong smell of bleach.

Edited March 18, 2013 by longsuffering

[Whispering_Jack 31,131]

The noose around the necks of NRL and AFL dope cheats is tightening:-

Hopes of escaping dope ban near zero

I suspect the final paragraph will make the Bombers feel uneasy given recent reports that the off-site clinic where their players were being injected last year was under surveillance.

Andruska revealed ASADA began gathering information 18 months ago, and shared it with the ACC a year ago.

[rjay 25,302]

The noose around the necks of NRL and AFL dope cheats is tightening:-

Hopes of escaping dope ban near zero

I suspect the final paragraph will make the Bombers feel uneasy given recent reports that the off-site clinic where their players were being injected last year was under surveillance.

The question I've asked before is "should the AFL suspend the club until the outcome of the investigation", it would make a mockery of the season if they are forced to pull out part way through.

[Benson 254]

The question I've asked before is "should the AFL suspend the club until the outcome of the investigation", it would make a mockery of the season if they are forced to pull out part way through.

If they are found guilty, strip their wins and have them play the season with no points gained.

[rjay 25,302]

If they are found guilty, strip their wins and have them play the season with no points gained.

If they are found guilty they won't have any players to play out the season or coaches to coach.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

If they are found guilty they won't have any players to play out the season or coaches to coach.

Goddard can captain coach himself.

[hardtack 10,859]

The question I've asked before is "should the AFL suspend the club until the outcome of the investigation", it would make a mockery of the season if they are forced to pull out part way through.

And if they come out of the investigation "clean"... what then? I could not imagine that the club would sit back and take it on the chin... think litigation! No, this is, and rightfully should be, a case of innocent until proven otherwise.

[rjay 25,302]

And if they come out of the investigation "clean"... what then? I could not imagine that the club would sit back and take it on the chin... think litigation! No, this is, and rightfully should be, a case of innocent until proven otherwise.

Yep, good point and probably the right thing to do. Will be interesting to see how it pans out.

[Jesse Christ 2,884]

If they are found guilty, strip their wins and have them play the season with no points gained.

And strip away all ND picks, leaving them only to be involved in the Rookie draft. The latter stages at that.

If they're guilty of course. Here's hoping.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,289]

And strip away all ND picks, leaving them only to be involved in the Rookie draft. The latter stages at that.

If they're guilty of course. Here's hoping.

Very fair and reasonable of you Sloon!!!

[Geddy Lee 582]

Bombers are up [censored] creek from an off field point of view.

Expect a mass exodus.

Whatever happens on Saturday night they will be the big losers in 2013.

Watch this space.

[Whispering_Jack 31,131]

Is Caro writing on the subject again?

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Is Caro writing on the subject again?

Nah they had a meeting after watching Jack VIney's debut and figured out there is no drug to match him. Essendon will forfeit tonight.

[jnrmac 20,276]

Bombers are up [censored] creek from an off field point of view.

Expect a mass exodus.

Whatever happens on Saturday night they will be the big losers in 2013.

Watch this space.

Whoa there geddy Lee What are you saying? Mass exodus of who? Players? Sponsors?

You cant drop that bombshell without giving us something??

What exactly?

[jnrmac 20,276]

Hey we might get our 4 points back later in the season.....

[Whispering_Jack 31,131]

Hey we might get our 4 points back later in the season.....

Why stop at 4 points?

There's percentage and if Angus Monfries, now of Port, crossed the road from Windy Hill to that "studio" where it was all happening while the federal crime authorities were carrying out their surveillance, we might get the 4 points back from the Port Adelaide game.

[Curry & Beer 5,444]

Is this just completely forgotten about is it? Our ridiculous tanking investigation lasted an eternity, dragging our name through the mud and causing all manner of instability within the club. i have no doubt it is one of the many factors that have conspired to put us in the hole we are currently in. Why is it that the AFL and the media had no problem raking us over the coals, but when a 'big' club faces a more serious issue it simply goes away?

[angrydee 842]

Welcome to the real world. Evans and Gil go to the logies together.

[ThreeOneSix 954]

Essendon won' get off easy.

If no stories are written, it's because Essendon could sue, it's a delicate issue - and one the AFL aren't in charge of.

I am surprised we are not being raked over the hot coals ourselves.

We are the ones getting off easy at the moment, no Essendon.

[jnrmac 20,276]

Welcome to the real world. Evans and Gil go to the logies together.

F******g amazing.

[Demon Head 299]

Expect some news shortly

[Demon_Chef 20]

Expect some news shortly

how shortly?

[mjt 640]

Expect some news shortly

There in huge trouble.