ASADA's investigation cannot be completed without testimony from Stephen Dank
Mark Robinson
Herald Sun
July 03, 2013 10:00PM
TO paraphrase Superman's famous words: This looks like a fight for truth, justice and the AFL's way.
The AFL wants the Essendon drugs investigation completed by August, presumably so it can act - if it has to - before the Bombers embark on a September campaign.
ASADA works hand in hand with the AFL on this one, so we can presume again it is on board.
But how can the investigation be completed without testimony from the man at the very heart of its happenings - Stephen Dank?
New federal laws, passed last week, allow ASADA to compel persons of interest to appear and answer questions, and more importantly, produce relevant documents.
ASADA has the power to compel Dank to appear. Or it will, when the law comes into effect early next month.
Dank has said he won't appear, and has threatened legal action if he is summoned.
In the meantime, the AFL says it wants the investigation wrapped in a bow by August.
So much for the exhaustive search for truth in one of the biggest scandals in football history.
Surely, Dank's evidence is crucial.
This investigation cannot be properly completed until he speaks.
If it drags into court for a determination, then so be it.
We need to see his documentation, specifically a claimed email from the World Anti-Doping Agency.
We need him to detail what he administered to the players, and who knew about it, and whatever else that can shed light on this drugs debacle.
If completed before Dank speaks, then it is not a completed investigation.
World anti-doping figures are at pains to explain that the brief of evidence built to catch Lance Armstrong took years to collate.
We love our game, but its integrity cannot be tarnished because the AFL wants it completed before finals start.
The new law already has hit its first hurdle.
Dank has given it two fingers.
"They (ASADA) have been trying to manipulate an outcome with a Federal Government and then expect full co-operation when they have completely disregarded the entire process," Dank said at the weekend.
"The way it has been handled shows no regard for truth - only for outcome."
There's irony for you.
Dank says there's no regard for truth, but at the same time won't help discover the truth.
As for ASADA, surely you can't ask for greater powers, receive them, and then not use them for its own integrity.
Doping is the axis of evil in sport, and the AFL shouldn't worry about when the investigation is completed, or worry about Essendon playing finals or, heaven forbid, winning the Grand Final.
If the Bombers saluting in September is the-worst case scenario, that can be dealt with later.
No, the AFL should concern itself with proper process and diligence in collecting all evidence.
Without Dank, it's a compromised investigation.
