The Bombers ASADA/WADA Saga

[Hollow Knight]

From a broader AFL commercial/brand point of view I'm not too upset about the no further punishments stance. Who knows how long they'll take to recover under the current punishments. The staff/officials (past or present) who were responsible for the development and administration of the injection program are the ones who should cop large individual punishments.

Yeah, although I have to say that some of the AFL rhetoric about the importance of Essendon irked me a little bit.

Gil basically said (I'm paraphrasing here) that the "AFL's priority is to restore Essendon's status as a powerhouse club". It's probably nothing we didn't already suspect but it basically explicitly asserts that there is a clear acceptance under the current AFL regime of designated haves and have nots in the competition and that Essendon cannot be allowed to become the latter. For all the talk about Brisbane's precarious situation being monitored by the AFL, I certainly can't recall much talk about them wanting us to become a powerhouse... and we didn't cheat.

Again, the differing standards and commercial imperatives are not something that should be too surprising to us cynics, but it's jarring to hear it so explicitly and shamelessly expressed. And disheartening to see that such comments aren't even critiqued in the media.

 

[brizrider]

The one that surprised me, other than that woeful effort from Paul Marsh, was Richard Di Natale. I never would have expected to see the leader of the Greens coming out peddling the "WADA isn't suited to team sports" bullshit line and whining about the time taken being the relevant authorities fault. Would love to know who's been in his ear. Good thing he's largely irrelevant.

The Greens aren't above attempts at populism. They aren't very good at it though and do usually get it quite wrong. I remember Bob Brown trying to jump on the Schapelle Corby support bandwagon - saying she was innocent and hard done by the evil Indonesians and all that.

 

[Elixuh]

Yeah, although I have to say that some of the AFL rhetoric about the importance of Essendon irked me a little bit.

Gil basically said (I'm paraphrasing here) that the "AFL's priority is to restore Essendon's status as a powerhouse club". It's probably nothing we didn't already suspect but it basically explicitly asserts that there is a clear acceptance under the current AFL recume of designated haves and have nots in the competition and that Essendon cannot be allowed to become the latter. For all the talk about Brisbane's precarious situation being monitored by the AFL, I certainly can't recall much talk about them wanting us to become a powerhouse... and we didn't cheat.

Again, the differing standards and commercial imperatives are not something that should be too surprising to us cynics, but it's jarring to hear it so explicitly and shamelessly expressed. And disheartening to see that such comments aren't even critiqued in the media.

It'll always be the way though. Support and strengthen the identified nucleus of the AFL comp while propping up those on the outer. Unfortunately for all the talk over the past few years re: equalisation and the benefits that will confer to struggling clubs like ours, it's fairly plain to see now that we're not high up on the AFL's list of priorities.

 

[alscotoz2]

Yeah, although I have to say that some of the AFL rhetoric about the importance of Essendon irked me a little bit.

Gil basically said (I'm paraphrasing here) that the "AFL's priority is to restore Essendon's status as a powerhouse club". It's probably nothing we didn't already suspect but it basically explicitly asserts that there is a clear acceptance under the current AFL regime of designated haves and have nots in the competition and that Essendon cannot be allowed to become the latter. For all the talk about Brisbane's precarious situation being monitored by the AFL, I certainly can't recall much talk about them wanting us to become a powerhouse... and we didn't cheat.

Again, the differing standards and commercial imperatives are not something that should be too surprising to us cynics, but it's jarring to hear it so explicitly and shamelessly expressed. And disheartening to see that such comments aren't even critiqued in the media.

It's a sound point.

Vaguely related this point was made on the main board about EFC being allowed top ups:

If any team gets ravaged by injuries, they should be allowed to top up outside the cap.

It's only fair.

I think it was said tongue in cheek but it has some merit and it struck me as valid in relation to the situation we encountered last season. We got no concessions for the length of our injury list (and i wouldn't expect to) but they are being allowed to top up for being cheats. I hope no clubs give them players off their rookie lists.

 

[jackchaff]

On an unrelated note, that would have to be an all time record between posts! Welcome back!

as for your question, who the heck knows. must have some link to one of the players you would have to think

thanks Fatcat08. Guess I've just been off the grid and I now feel the royboys might finally be back on track. Been lurking for a few days and decided to come out of the shadows.

 

[Hollow Knight]

Wow.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/afl/a/30566332/banned-bombers-can-walk-out-on-club/

 

[Elixuh]

God imagine if that comes to fruition. Even 1 walking could be a disaster.

 

[dlanod]

Don't know if it affects that much to be honest.

According to the Bombers board, seven of the twelve were off contract at the end of this year anyway and (according to my guesstimates) were FAs - Hocking, Hooker, Howlett, Myers, Pears, Stanton and Watson.

Bellchambers, Colyer, Hibberd and Hurley are all off contract in 2017 so there might be some interest in the last two.

Heppell is off in 2020 but seems one of the more committed to Essendon amongst the bunch.

 

[Skoob]

This is a much funnier article;
Hird: Don't blame me for supplements drama

I trusted the governance we put around this program and the people directly in charge of administering it

LOL

 

[Ironmonger]

The Hird article in today's HS. Two things I think need to be put next to each other:

I am also often asked what were the quality control measures in place for the supplements program.

The supplements program was subject to a protocol with an important quality control measure that any supplements needed to be approved by Dr Reid before they could be given to the players.

The club required this precisely because Hamilton and the coaches had inadequate knowledge about supplements and because there would be no other sport’s doctor in Australia with as sound a reputation for maximising player welfare as Dr Reid.

As has been reported publicly, I was comfortable with supplements provided they would be ASADA and AFL approved, could do no harm to any player, the players have given their informed consent and the final approval lay with Dr Reid.

Upon first learning of Dr Reid’s concerns in January 2012 that the protocol may not have been followed I re-emphasised the protocols that needed to be in place via email to Robinson.

I was clear. Crystal clear. In addition, Dr Reid would outline his concerns with Robinson and Dank and the lack of information he had received as to the effectiveness of the supplements.

I encouraged Dr Reid to put his concerns in writing to Hamilton.

These concerns were written in a letter from Dr Reid addressed to Hamilton and myself.

Unfortunately, I was not given a copy of this letter and did not see this letter until over a year after it was written.

A series of meetings would follow to try to get to the bottom of the matter and take the action that needed to be taken.

These meetings took place in the weeks after the Anzac Day game 2012, meetings in which Hamilton, Thompson, Dr Reid and I reminded Dank that there was no situation in which he was allowed to administer injections without Dr Reid’s approval as the protocol demanded.

In effect, Dr Reid's role was the only significant check on the supplements regime, and yet when he raised his concerns in January 2012, the first meeting held about them was in the 'weeks leading up to ANZAC Day' on 25 April. All that was done prior to that was an email to Robinson. Hird was so blithe about the program that he didn't even follow up on Reid to see where that letter was he asked him to write.

It seems like such an obvious oversight you'd expect at least some element of remorse from Hird. but there's a strong tone of defiance here. He presents these governance measures apparently in the expectation that people will agree that he discharged his responsibilities properly. I imagine there'll be some uncritical readers who agree with them.

 

[royboys4eva]

Well reading part 1 of Hird's rubbish and as expected it's everyones fault bar him. Processes and weren't adhered too!!! You don't say Jimmy boy. Seriously put your hand up and say it all happened under my tenure and whether things happened with Hird's knowledge or not the buck always has to stop with him. Other people at the club who had positions of power have all fallen on their sword.

Hird seems so intent of keeping his reputation intact but has in fact damaged it beyond repute. At some stage the players have got to start asking the questions about him. I can see years of misery ahead for Essendon and all of their own doing. As for some of their supporters saying the truth will come out, the more evidence that comes out the worse it will get. When your coach says he never received an email for a year you might want to start asking questions about the truth coming out.

 

[knaf]

Re leadership discussion on another very good thread - absolute key to good leadership - if it happen when you are in charge, then you are responsible!

 

[blynd_freddie]

Heppell is off in 2020 but seems one of the more committed to Essendon amongst the bunch.

Can just see it now - pies quickly offer via 'paper-bag' communication VFL bomber Aaron Heppell ridiculous contract dollars + tv + medja, plus, plus... then suggest Dyson follow.

[think Jason/Cameron/Travis Cloke saga ]

 

[Skoob]

The Hird article in today's HS. Two things I think need to be put next to each other:






In effect, Dr Reid's role was the only significant check on the supplements regime, and yet when he raised his concerns in January 2012, the first meeting held about them was in the 'weeks leading up to ANZAC Day' on 25 April. All that was done prior to that was an email to Robinson. Hird was so blithe about the program that he didn't even follow up on Reid to see where that letter was he asked him to write.

It seems like such an obvious oversight you'd expect at least some element of remorse from Hird. but there's a strong tone of defiance here. He presents these governance measures apparently in the expectation that people will agree that he discharged his responsibilities properly. I imagine there'll be some uncritical readers who agree with them.

He must have some inkling to how ridiculous this story is. Surely?
The minute protocols weren't followed, the programme should have stopped. Immediately.
A meeting should have been held immediately, to gain assurances protocols would be followed to the letter and that meeting should have involved all of Hamilton, Robinson, Dank, Reid and the rest of the coaching staff.
If we are to believe these protocols existed as described, then there is no way this type of meeting didn't occur. There is no way Hird shouldn't have been alarmed by Reid's concerns and no way that the lot of them didn't meet face to face to discuss the programme and its administration.
"I sent an email". What a joke. "I asked Reid to write a letter and never saw it". Bullshit. The Doctor raises concerns and you do nothing because the postie didn't come, to then wash your hands of responsibility is akin to " the dog ate my homework". I think Hird's defence is more damning than anything presented by anyone else against him.

 

[Ceebee]

Surprise . surprise. Hird takes no responsibility.

 

[ZoBlitz]

Denial isn't just a river in Egypt.

 

[Chezzalenko Reborn]

Jake = Hird?

Carrie Fisher = WADA?

 

[BuntonRules]

Re leadership discussion on another very good thread - absolute key to good leadership - if it happen when you are in charge, then you are responsible!

This.

 

[BRAB]

Hird's account doesn't really account for the texts he sent and directly conflict with doc Reid's recollection of events.

Absolute snake, can't believe what he did to his club and I can't believe he won't own up to it. Disgusting.

 

[Dom PC]

 

[Skoob]

Maybe Tanya "Shaggy" Hird is behind his denial.

But we were caught by ASADA (Wasn't me)
I kept no spreadsheet data (Wasn't me)
We made the boys sign a waiver (Wasn't me)
Doc Reid won't be my saviour (Wasn't me)
I'm not even believed by WADA (Wasn't me)
We tried court to deem the case a non-starter (Wasn't me)
A year off, I'm no smarter (Wasn't me)

 

[blynd_freddie]

So when is the film out? Being John Malkovic James Hird. GingerGreatness ??

JH: "I will see you in court."

-: "What makes you think I wont be seeing what your seeing... in court?"

from passing car: Hey Malkovich Hird, THINK FAST!

JH: "Aghhhhhhh!"

 

[lionshine]

Wow.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/afl/a/30566332/banned-bombers-can-walk-out-on-club/

Time to throw some money at Hurley.

 

[BRAB]

Time to throw some money at Hurley.

All 17 clubs collectively thought the same thing in regards to that news.

If we could manage to grab him that'd be so huge for us.

 

[lionbear]

Just read Hird's report in the Herald-Sun

Just felt the article should have opened with "Now the players have been found guilty I am going into damage control"

Distanced himself from Dank and Robinson as much as possible.
Threw everyone under the Bus.