Is this an actual fact that the players are " provisionally suspended"?

Does this mean any real thing?

Yes they are suspended from participating in any matches. This is all it says in the afl doping code 12.4. They can be granted leave to play by the AFL commission only. If they receive leave to play it extends their ineligible period if sanctioned later by the tribunal

They can be granted leave to play by the AFL commission only.

Which can be contested by ASADA/WADA and taken to CAS.

Yes they are suspended from participating in any matches. This is all it says in the afl doping code 12.4. They can be granted leave to play by the AFL commission only. If they receive leave to play it extends their ineligible period if sanctioned later by the tribunal

Which can be contested by ASADA/WADA and taken to CAS.

ASADA and WADA can not contest provisional suspension only sanctions once handed down. At this point the Infraction Notice alleges there may be a possible breach. Interestingly the way I read the code it says that reductions of ineligible periods (sanction time) WADA has the final say on whether the have applied the code correctly. But as this can be appealed by players its all along way from finalising. That's why I say bring on the appeals so we can get these players sanctioned already!

ASADA and WADA can not contest provisional suspension only sanctions once handed down.

Not sure that's right. 17.2 of the AFL code covers appeals:

"17.2 Appeals from Decisions Regarding Anti-Doping Rule Violations, Consequences, and Provisional Suspensions."

and includes:

" …. a decision to impose a Provisional Suspension may be appealed exclusively as provided in this sub-Clause."

followed by:

"(e) Persons Entitled to Appeal

The parties having the right to appeal to the Appeals Board shall be as provided in the NAD Scheme but, at a minimum, shall include the following parties:

ASADA and WADA shall also have the right to appeal to CAS with respect to the decision of the Appeals Board. "

1. (i) the Player or other Person who is the subject of the decision being appealed;

2. (ii) the other party to the case in which the decision was rendered;

3. (iii) AFL;

4. (iv) ASADA; and

5. (v) WADA.

<p> Not sure that's right. 17.2 of the AFL code covers appeals: "17.2 Appeals from Decisions Regarding Anti-Doping Rule Violations, Consequences, and Provisional Suspensions." and includes: " . a decision to impose a Provisional Suspension may be appealed exclusively as provided in this sub-Clause." followed by: "(e) Persons Entitled to Appeal The parties having the right to appeal to the Appeals Board shall be as provided in the NAD Scheme but, at a minimum, shall include the following parties: ASADA and WADA shall also have the right to appeal to CAS with respect to the decision of the Appeals Board. "

• (i) the Player or other Person who is the subject of the decision being appealed;
• (ii) the other party to the case in which the decision was rendered;
• (iii) AFL;
• (iv) ASADA; and
• (v) WADA.

This relates to imposing a provisional suspension I beleive the original query I was referring to related to the prospect of someone appealing a decision to not impose a provisional suspension. This is within the power of the AFL Commission. I remember reading somewhere that the AFL constitution states that the member clubs of the AFL can overturn a decsion by the commission with 75% of the vote if needed.

Any way roll on the appeals and various other argy bargy. Go Dees!!

Hird was reported on the news tonight (interviewed at their training session today) that he hopes the provisional suspensions can be sorted out or lifted in time for the NAB Cup.

Hird was reported on the news tonight (interviewed at their training session today) that he hopes the provisional suspensions can be sorted out or lifted in time for the NAB Cup.

He should be shot. I'm sick of that sociopath.

Hird was reported on the news tonight (interviewed at their training session today) that he hopes the provisional suspensions can be sorted out or lifted in time for the NAB Cup.

Best of luck Hirdy. Still living in your narcissistic dreamworld I notice. I'm starting to think he really does believe his own spin. If true, it will mean Essendon will be TOTALLY unprepared for what is coming, which will make it considerably worse for them in the longer term.

Not sure that's right. 17.2 of the AFL code covers appeals:

"17.2 Appeals from Decisions Regarding Anti-Doping Rule Violations, Consequences, and Provisional Suspensions."

and includes:

" . a decision to impose a Provisional Suspension may be appealed exclusively as provided in this sub-Clause."

followed by:

"(e) Persons Entitled to Appeal

The parties having the right to appeal to the Appeals Board shall be as provided in the NAD Scheme but, at a minimum, shall include the following parties:

ASADA and WADA shall also have the right to appeal to CAS with respect to the decision of the Appeals Board. "

• (i) the Player or other Person who is the subject of the decision being appealed;

• (ii) the other party to the case in which the decision was rendered;

• (iii) AFL;

• (iv) ASADA; and

• (v) WADA.

As essendon the club arent parties at the tribunal, that means they cant appeal? Hahaha gold

Hird needs to just STFU. Fancy dragging him out to hold a press conference at a time like this.

Nobody... literally nobody at that club has a bloody clue.

He should be shot. I'm sick of that sociopath.

Pot. Kettle. Black?

My understanding is that they have sought and been granted permission to train, but it's only matches that 'count' in regard to sanctions. There was some debate as to whether or not the IR game was in effect an AFL game.

To me it shouldn't matter if a game 'counts' or not. There is still the betting market to consider, which like it or not is as much apart of sports as the game itself. Imagin if some punter had $10k against essendon in the NAB games and loses with essendon players partaking in the game despite being issued an infraction notice and should therefore be suspended. The players are later found guilty of the infraction. That would open up a huge can of worms and more legal ramifications as the players should not have been out there at all

To me it shouldn't matter if a game 'counts' or not. There is still the betting market to consider, which like it or not is as much apart of sports as the game itself. Imagin if some punter had $10k against essendon in the NAB games and loses with essendon players partaking in the game despite being issued an infraction notice and should therefore be suspended. The players are later found guilty of the infraction. That would open up a huge can of worms and more legal ramifications as the players should not have been out there at all

Keep in mind that any person considering placing a bet on any game or result involving Essendon should be aware of that risk and therefore determine what they think the odds should be with that knowledge. In other words, the risk should already be included in the price.

I have Hird a touch of acceptance in the fact the suspensions will be handed out in the dons coaches voice

they are ready and the season will roll on as planned.

Hird was reported on the news tonight (interviewed at their training session today) that he hopes the provisional suspensions can be sorted out or lifted in time for the NAB Cup.

It simply amazes me how impaired people's judgement and perspective can become when the subject is football. You have to really wonder in which universe can a suspension be overturned in the manner suggested in this article?

When is a suspension not a suspension?

Essendon’s 2015 preparation won’t be disrupted by AFL anti-doping hearing, says James Hird

I hope the AFL are stupid enough to allow players to compete in the NAB cup, thus preventing backdating of sentences once they're handed out by ASADA, meaning players will end up missing the season proper instead. Would be gold.

Pot. Kettle. Black?

I'm not a sociopath. I'd actually feel sorry for him if ASADA ordered him shot. But then I'd pick up the pieces and move on a couple of minutes later.

It simply amazes me how impaired people's judgement and perspective can become when the subject is football. You have to really wonder in which universe can a suspension be overturned in the manner suggested in this article?

When is a suspension not a suspension?

Essendons 2015 preparation wont be disrupted by AFL anti-doping hearing, says James Hird

I was sure a Provisional Suspension meant you couldnt train with your team.

It simply amazes me how impaired people's judgement and perspective can become when the subject is football. You have to really wonder in which universe can a suspension be overturned in the manner suggested in this article?

When is a suspension not a suspension?

Essendons 2015 preparation wont be disrupted by AFL anti-doping hearing, says James Hird

Agreed, WJ. I think a lot of people connected with this have long since flushed their perspective down the thunderbox ...

... and after watching Lance Armstrong's performance on tv tonight, I wonder if he and James Hird were separated at birth?

Makes you wonder about his playing career.

Patrick Smith gets it - AFL should enforce suspensions

Patrick Smith gets it - AFL should enforce suspensions

While I do not agree with everything he says I believe Patrick Smith is one of a very few Sporting journalists who have any integrity.

The rest are sadly conflicted by there personal loyalties and adherence to the Company line.

and that is why i have very little faith in the AFL providing a just outcome if the club and players are found guilty.

It'll mean when they do get whacked it'll be in the season proper.

I have zero issue with this.