How did they get off... youve just written how !!

or did I miss something ?

Liam Jurrah is a good example of an alignment of forces gathered to absolve him from his hatchet job. The difference for him was everyone lost interest after his continuing misteps.

Edited April 4, 201411 yr by america de cali

And Dunn has been a changed man since he has been linked to possible jiggery pokey

I think Lynden is a changed man since starting working with a coach who know what he is doing, knows what he wants, knows how to communicate that with his players, and makes it clear that if the player isn't on board he doesn't play !!

After the 2010 grand final there were reports that six players from each of the competing sides were tested and six from Collingwood were found to have high HGH levels while all of the St. Kilda players had normal levels. Nobody's names were ever published and the report went away.

Ah.....and AD of course always espouses his insistence on protecting the integrity of the game.

"Thursday, April 10, looms as D-Day for the central figure in the most scandalous drugs probe in Australian sport, with the national anti-doping authority's ultimate decision-making body set to make a critical ruling on Stephen Dank."ASADA ruling on Dank looms

Yes ... Thursday, April 10 has arrived and the action against Dank is hotting up - Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel to hear drug allegations towards former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank

Yes ... Thursday, April 10 has arrived and the action against Dank is hotting up - Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel to hear drug allegations towards former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank

Reading the above article and Sam Lane's piece in today's Age suggests that this is not going to end soon D Day looms for Stephen Dank.

If it drags on and on and on as it threatens to do ATM, I wonder what they AFL will do if, as seems highly possible ATM, Essendon is in line for a top 4 spot?

I think the significant part of the first article is this:

The Herald Sun understands the show-cause notice alleges substances including Thymosin Beta-4, Human Growth Hormones, SARMS and Hexarelin were used at Essendon.

Whilst it doesn't mention AOD9604, it does cover other banned substances including TB4 which has previously been mentioned in dispatches as having been administered to Essendon players. The reason I consider this as being significant is that it suggests that the show cause relates directly to use by players and if the ADRP considers the case is strong enough then infraction notices against the players will surely follow of the users are identified. This would not have been the case if the show cause against Dank only alleged trafficking or possession of banned drugs.

and that makes them above it ???

Not a bit...mean they got off. There is a difference

Richard Pratt is a good example during the Visy and Amcor collusion which robbed their customers if $2bn and all he recieved was a slap on the wrist in the order of $20m. His reputation suffered and he handed back his order of Australia and while his health was suffering (likely in patt due to the stress of it all) he got off relatively scott free.

Those with wealth and power are able to negotiate an outcome that makes the problem dissappear through the threat of an expensive and protracted legal battle against a resource stretched prosecutor.

I think Essendon has used his approach against both the AFL and ASADA and we have already seen the head of both organisations announce they are stepping down. The red herring in all of this is WADA who really hold the power through the ability to recommend sanctions in line with the WADA code that if not executed will tarnish Australia's international sporting reputation - this is bigger than the AFL and broadcasting rights.

and that makes them above it ???

Not a bit...mean they got off. There is a difference

Richard Pratt is a good example during the Visy and Amcor collusion which robbed their customers if $2bn and all he recieved was a slap on the wrist in the order of $20m. His reputation suffered and he handed back his order of Australia and while his health was suffering (likely in patt due to the stress of it all) he got off relatively scott free.

Those with wealth and power are able to negotiate an outcome that makes the problem dissappear through the threat of an expensive and protracted legal battle against a resource stretched prosecutor.

I think Essendon has used his approach against both the AFL and ASADA and we have already seen the head of both organisations announce they are stepping down. The red herring in all of this is WADA who really hold the power through the ability to recommend sanctions in line with the WADA code that if not executed will tarnish Australia's international sporting reputation - this is bigger than the AFL and broadcasting rights.

and that makes them above it ???

Not a bit...mean they got off. There is a difference

Richard Pratt is a good example during the Visy and Amcor collusion which robbed their customers if $2bn and all he recieved was a slap on the wrist in the order of $20m. His reputation suffered and he handed back his order of Australia and while his health was suffering (likely in patt due to the stress of it all) he got off relatively scott free.

Those with wealth and power are able to negotiate an outcome that makes the problem dissappear through the threat of an expensive and protracted legal battle against a resource stretched prosecutor.

I think Essendon has used his approach against both the AFL and ASADA and we have already seen the head of both organisations announce they are stepping down. The red herring in all of this is WADA who really hold the power through the ability to recommend sanctions in line with the WADA code that if not executed will tarnish Australia's international sporting reputation - this is bigger than the AFL and broadcasting rights.

Reading the above and Sam Lane's article in today's Age suggests that this is not going to end soon D Day looms for Stephen Dank.

If it drags on and on and on as it threatens to do ATM, I wonder what they AFL will do if, as seems highly possible ATM, Essendon is in line for a top 4 spot?

On the other hand, see Sam Lane's online update

I'll use a synonym here to avoid the auto-censor, but if you have a choice between a conspiracy and a rooster-up, go with the rooster-up every time. Roostering-up aplenty here methinks

Richard Pratt is a good example during the Visy and Amcor collusion which robbed their customers if $2bn and all he recieved was a slap on the wrist in the order of $20m. His reputation suffered and he handed back his order of Australia and while his health was suffering (likely in patt due to the stress of it all) he got off relatively scott free.

Those with wealth and power are able to negotiate an outcome that makes the problem dissappear through the threat of an expensive and protracted legal battle against a resource stretched prosecutor.

I think Essendon has used his approach against both the AFL and ASADA and we have already seen the head of both organisations announce they are stepping down. The red herring in all of this is WADA who really hold the power through the ability to recommend sanctions in line with the WADA code that if not executed will tarnish Australia's international sporting reputation - this is bigger than the AFL and broadcasting rights.

Pratt is not a good example at all. While not denying the gravity of his crimes you are poorly informed on the sense of justice and any cynicism he got away with it.

Pratt had terminal cancer when the case commenced. His health deteriorated as a consequence of the cancer during the trial. There was no sense sentencing him to term beyond his rapidly shortening natural life.

On the other hand, see Sam Lane's online update

I'll use a synonym here to avoid the auto-censor, but if you have a choice between a conspiracy and a rooster-up, go with the rooster-up every time. Roostering-up aplenty here methinks

Unbelievable!

Unbelievable!

smacks of political interference

members were not re-contracted, replacements not available...............hmmmmm

Comedy gold.

On the other hand, see Sam Lane's online update

I'll use a synonym here to avoid the auto-censor, but if you have a choice between a conspiracy and a rooster-up, go with the rooster-up every time. Roostering-up aplenty here methinks

Cue the Benny Hill music. What a complete farce....

Talk about Keystone Cops

smacks of political interference

members were not re-contracted, replacements not available...............hmmmmm

No, most likely an embarrassing oversight.

No, most likely an embarrassing oversight.

you don't think not re-contracting a majority of the board was a little more than an oversight? especially given the timing

i would expect a little more cynicism from a member of the bar redleg

No, most likely an embarrassing oversight.

Agree. Rather incredible none the less at crucial stage it should not have happened.

Storm in a teacup.

Dutton should get them re contracted and let's move on.

smacks of political interference

members were not re-contracted, replacements not available...............hmmmmm

Will be interesting to see the response from Dutton's office but I wouldn't rule it out.

The whole "blackest day in sport" was an embarrassment for the Labor Government and ASADA have hardly covered themselves in glory since then either.

It's quite possible the new Government wants to distance itself from ASADA and is in the process of gutting it to do so.

Will be interesting to see the response from Dutton's office but I wouldn't rule it out.

The whole "blackest day in sport" was an embarrassment for the Labor Government and ASADA have hardly covered themselves in glory since then either.

It's quite possible the new Government wants to distance itself from ASADA and is in the process of gutting it to do so.

The blackest day in sport was a quote from the human mouthpiece Richard Inge. This whole issue highlighted by the ACC is an embarrassment for Australian sport and sporting bodies impacted. It had nothing to do with the previous Government who only did what it should have done.

I am not sure about panning ASADA until the review is completed.

Regardless of what went before it, the current Government is responsible for ASADA and are responsible for the conduct of ASADA now.

They can't walk away from ASADA without global sporting condemnation.

If the Goverment were to bizarrely walk way from ASADA then why did it appoint a federal court judge to assist in the review and assessment of the accumulated evidence?

Good God Essendrug are in front!!

There is officially no justice on this planet

I know this the day we got a 500k fine for not taking. Innocent but still found guilty.

The blackest day in sport was a quote from the human mouthpiece Richard Inge. This whole issue highlighted by the ACC is an embarrassment for Australian sport and sporting bodies impacted. It had nothing to do with the previous Government who only did what it should have done.

I am not sure about panning ASADA until the review is completed.

Regardless of what went before it, the current Government is responsible for ASADA and are responsible for the conduct of ASADA now.

They can't walk away from ASADA without global sporting condemnation.

If the Goverment were to bizarrely walk way from ASADA then why did it appoint a federal court judge to assist in the review and assessment of the accumulated evidence?

Inge only got a soapbox to make his claim because the Government needed a distraction and thus organised that notorious all-code press conference to launch the ACC report.

And for all the brouhaha and the "blackest day" claim, what's happened as a result? 3/5ths of SFA. A handful of NRL officials / players have been penalised, and Cronulla as a club, and then the Bombers in AFL. And who knows how that will end? Hardly enough to justify the impression created that doping was rife in every sport and all leagues.

Perhaps I should have been clearer when I referred to gutting ASADA - I didn't mean walking away from it or shutting it down, I meant cleaning out old personnel and putting in their own people.

Pratt is not a good example at all. While not denying the gravity of his crimes you are poorly informed on the sense of justice and any cynicism he got away with it.

Pratt had terminal cancer when the case commenced. His health deteriorated as a consequence of the cancer during the trial. There was no sense sentencing him to term beyond his rapidly shortening natural life.

RR I see your point and I tend to agree that it isn't justice to have someone live their final days in the courts given his reputation was left in tatters. For me the issue of justice is more about Visy keeping the money they earnt through their misconduct. In an equitable world they would have to repay the gains plus a penalty as a disincentive. As it stands Visy gained to the tune on $2bn for their misconduct while their customers suffered a higher cost base along with end consumers.

smacks of political interference

members were not re-contracted, replacements not available...............hmmmmm

Wonder if Mick Gatto is a friend of Danks?

What an absolute set up.

I would like to see if Paul Little has influenced this situation.

If he has-he could be jailed.

Danks will only sing if he gets a jail threat.

RR I see your point and I tend to agree that it isn't justice to have someone live their final days in the courts given his reputation was left in tatters. For me the issue of justice is more about Visy keeping the money they earnt through their misconduct. In an equitable world they would have to repay the gains plus a penalty as a disincentive. As it stands Visy gained to the tune on $2bn for their misconduct while their customers suffered a higher cost base along with end consumers.

Funny Chookrat-but Visy are bigger than the Packers now-so they benefited and got away with price fixing as did AMCor-and the world get more plastic and cardboard as a result.

Inge only got a soapbox to make his claim because the Government needed a distraction and thus organised that notorious all-code press conference to launch the ACC report.

And for all the brouhaha and the "blackest day" claim, what's happened as a result? 3/5ths of SFA. A handful of NRL officials / players have been penalised, and Cronulla as a club, and then the Bombers in AFL. And who knows how that will end? Hardly enough to justify the impression created that doping was rife in every sport and all leagues.

Perhaps I should have been clearer when I referred to gutting ASADA - I didn't mean walking away from it or shutting it down, I meant cleaning out old personnel and putting in their own people.

The report was serious given the implications for the integrity of Australian sport. Richard Inge needed a soapbox.

Neither Government has properly funded ASADA for an investigation that unprecedented, complex and was always going to time consuming especially given the profile of the codes and the media glare.

The ACC report was about the importation and distribution of illegal substances within sporting clubs. The evidence found about Essendon and Cronulla has damaged their respective codes and put Australian sport under question globally.

Gutting/closing down/removing resources has the same impact....nobbling an anti doping investigation.... No clear thinking Government could be that stupid.

This should be a short term embarrassment that can be readily addressed by Dutton to re contract those panel members who's contract have expired