The Essendon Bombers believe coach James Hird has become the target of inaccurate allegations as the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority edges closer to releasing results into the club’s alleged doping scandal.
Essendon is attempting to distance Hird from accusations the coach masterminded the club’s player peptide program last season after allegations published by News Limited claim the coach asked an ASADA official what a peptide was, resulting in a summons from the AFL.
Hird has also been associated by some as a champion of ‘sports scientist’ Stephen Dank, the former Essendon employee alleged to be behind the club’s 2012 doping scandal.
Essendon released a statement on Wednesday in support of Hird, requesting those involved with the ASADA investigation to respect the confidentially of the process so that the integrity of inquiry is not threatened.
“For the reputation and integrity of senior coach James Hird to be questioned without the right to due process, is extremely disturbing and inappropriate in the circumstances,” the club said in the statement.
Public understanding of the ASADA investigation has taken several turns in opposite directions over the past few days. Media members involved with the AFL quietly came out of the weekend’s footy action suggesting Essendon would be found guilty of doping and could miss finals action this season as a punishment, however claims on Tuesday night that Essendon players would be exonerated for using the anti-obseity peptide AOD-9604 was rejected by ASADA yesterday.
It came as no surprise on Wednesday that the anti-doping authority refused to back rumours players found to have used the peptide would escape punishment, saying “Given the investigation into Essendon is ongoing, ASADA is unable to comment on media speculation regarding possible anti-doping rule violations concerning a range of substances.”
The club and fans alike are awaiting the ASADA findings, expected in roughly a month’s time, and any sanctions handed down this season could jeopardise the Premiership dreams of a club expected to contend for the 2013 flag.
Get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Follow Robert White on Twitter @RobertWhitebrrr.
