Essendon set to start season without ASADA action

[Ricochet]

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-set-to-start-season-without-asada-action-but-infraction-notices-could-yet-come/story-fndv8gad-1226805329872

ESSENDON looks almost certain to embark upon a new season without any action from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority over doping charges - but still without an iron-clad guarantee that infraction notices won't come.

Asked directly if the Essendon aspect of ASADA's Project Cobia was still being actively investigated, ASADA told the Herald Sun:"ASADA's investigation into the matters raised by the ACC Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport report is ongoing" - meaning that the spectre of potential future action remains.

Sources close to the AFL and Essendon side of the investigation now believe the possibility of doping charges has grown remote.

[_wato]

A little bit of reprieve for Essendon but not much. You would think they'd want it over before the season to begun to clear themselves but they won't, so they'll still have a cloud over there head which could cause problems.

Infraction notices may come - Doesn't sound good.

[Grazz]

Really been handled poorly from start to finish now ASADA dragging their butts, should of bee done and dusted by now. Feel for Bombers supporters and this hanging over their teams head still.

[_wato]

Really been handled poorly from start to finish now ASADA dragging their butts, should of bee done and dusted by now. Feel for Bombers supporters and this hanging over their teams head still.

Couldn't agree more mate, very poor by an international organisation. This happened nearly a year ago, so all findings should be done and dusted. I'd be very angry if I had anything to do with the club whether it be a player, coach, fan, official etc.

[Grazz]

Really been handled poorly from start to finish now ASADA dragging their butts, should of bee done and dusted by now. Feel for Bombers supporters and this hanging over their teams head still.

Couldn't agree more mate, very poor by an international organisation. This happened nearly a year ago, so all findings should be done and dusted. I'd be very angry if I had anything to do with the club whether it be a player, coach, fan, official etc.

Yep youd be absolutely boiling over. Its really been shambles from start to now.

[_wato]

When do you think the infraction may come Grazz?

[Grazz]

When do you think the infraction may come Grazz?

Mate how long is a piece of string, really have no idea its dragged on so long without the powers to be having any concern for those under the gun I think they will continue to take their sweet time tbh. No idea buddy. :(

[_wato]

You are so so true there mate. I hate the fact that they're taking their sweet time because it makes us look bad as a code and is no good for the players and everyone else involved at all. Doesn't help when picking a fantasy team either because I'm now very wary of Essendon players, ugh :(

[Grazz]

You are so so true there mate. I hate the fact that they're taking their sweet time because it makes us look bad as a code and is no good for the players and everyone else involved at all. Doesn't help when picking a fantasy team either because I'm now very wary of Essendon players, ugh :(

Im wary about picking them to mate as are many im guessing. Im embarrassed about the game I/we all love. Very incompetent by all parties to let it go this far with no result as yet. All my sympathy is with the Bombers fans not so much the club but I do have some sympathy for the club in the sense they should know by now whats to become of them regarding individual punishments  infraction notices etc.

[_wato]

You are so so true there mate. I hate the fact that they're taking their sweet time because it makes us look bad as a code and is no good for the players and everyone else involved at all. Doesn't help when picking a fantasy team either because I'm now very wary of Essendon players, ugh :(

Im wary about picking them to mate as are many im guessing. Im embarrassed about the game I/we all love. Very incompetent by all parties to let it go this far with no result as yet. All my sympathy is with the Bombers fans not so much the club but I do have some sympathy for the club in the sense they should know by now whats to become of them regarding individual punishments  infraction notices etc.

Spot on mate, very incompetent. You'd think Demetriou could try to do something to speed up the process for the better good of everyone but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

[Ringo]

ASADA are a law to themselves an no amount of urging from the AFL will get it sorted earlier. Can not blame ASADA though for taking their time to decide as there would be 100% guarantee that any infraction and penalties will be challenged in the courts. So they have to ensure that they can back up any decisions.

Not good I know but understandable given the grey areas that are involved.

[Ricochet]

Have to agree with Ringo here. As much as I feel for Bombers supporters, I would rather them take their time to get the investigation 100% correct than hand out 2 year bans all over the place... which they have done in the past for a lot less. Being such a big investigation too (probably one of the biggest in Aussie sport), they would want to have everything covered

[Grazz]

I agree 100% with what your saying but surely 12 months is more than enough time to arrive to a decision.

[Ricochet]

You'd think so mate. I guess that gives us an idea of the the scope/size of the investigation

[Grazz]

You'd think so mate. I guess that gives us an idea of the the scope/size of the investigation

Yeh it would be the largest they've presided over no doubt about that.