http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...rs-drugs-meeting/story-fni5f6kv-1226684619904
Get a load of this. And we thought we were in trouble.
Maybe the good guys (AFL) bad guys (NRL) media spin might take a bit of a turn now!
ANTI-doping investigators have been told of a phone call made by AFL boss Andrew Demetriou to Essendon president David Evans the night before the club self-reported for the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Differing accounts of the call from Demetriou to Evans on Monday, February 4 have been detailed to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Demetriou has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
According to one witness testimony given to ASADA, Demetriou discussed with Evans whether his club's players had used banned performance-enhancing drugs.
AFL spokesman James Tonkin last night said: "We understand this claim was made by a particular witness in an interview with ASADA.
''The allegations, which were disputed and discredited by other witnesses, were examined by ASADA. They are completely untrue."
ASADA has been told the Demetriou call was made during an emergency meeting at Evans' Hawthorn home attended by Essendon coach James Hird, club doctor Bruce Reid, football boss Danny Corcoran and former chief executive Ian Robson.
ASADA was told Evans ordered the 8.30pm meeting after receiving earlier information.
A second source, also interviewed by ASADA, yesterday backed the first witness's claim.
It is understood Evans was recalled by ASADA and backed the AFL's version of events.
Evans yesterday said: "I went to the AFL and ASADA when serious questions were raised about our supplements program and when the club could not adequately provide me with adequate answers.
"The serious questions coming from the media and information from previous players brought issues to light that strongly warranted my actions."
The AFL has always maintained Essendon "self-reported" and asked to be investigated by ASADA and the AFL on February 5 based on its own information.
The Australian Crime Commission went public with its report into organised crime and drugs in sport two days later on February 7.
Demetriou was first briefed by the ACC about its report on Thursday, January 31, at a confidential meeting in Canberra. AFL sources said Demetriou was not told at this briefing that Essendon was the subject of concerns.
On the morning of February 5 - the day after the meeting at Evans' home - Evans, Hird, Robson and two club media staffers met AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan and league integrity boss Brett Clothier at AFL House.
Demetriou was absent because he was attending another briefing with the ACC, ASADA and other sports chiefs at Melbourne Airport.
At a 2pm press conference called by Essendon at AFL House, Evans said he had received "information" during the previous 48 hours which prompted the club's decision to come forward.
The
Herald Sun has previously investigated the circumstances leading to Essendon's self-reporting.
On April 16, the
Herald Sun asked Evans at his Jolimont offices whether he was tipped off about the club's issues with drugs.
"No, that did not happen," Evans said.
He said he had "snooped" around his club all weekend before deciding to go to the AFL.
Late on April 17, Demetriou, after being told about inquiries from the
Herald Sun, contacted the newspaper and emphatically denied the AFL played a role in the lead-up to Essendon self-reporting.
:lol:
