Shane Flanagan could be back in time to coach Cronulla for the finals after opting not to contest his one-year NRL ban.
And in a further twist in the ElephantJuice drama, Stephen Dank plans to ignore the show-cause letter he received from Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and take the body all the way to the federal court.
Flanagan had until close of business on Friday to decide whether to appeal a one-year suspension, which could be cut to nine months should he fulfil a number of requirements, including training and education courses. Flanagan could now return as head coach by mid September. The Sharks also opted not to take the matter to an NRL Appeals Tribunal. The club hopes it qualifies to pay only $600,000 of the $1 million fine imposed upon them by the League, as $400,000 of the fine will remain suspended if they undertook appropriate corporate governance reforms.
“I am bitterly disappointed that submissions made in response to the interim suspension were not accepted," Flanagan said in a statement issued by his management and legal representative Keith Bagley.
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However, Flanagan was pleased that there was no finding that he had involvement in the controversial 2011 supplements program. “To me, that’s the important exoneration," he said. "The adverse findings concerning me were only about the club’s governance in 2011 when, as Mr Smith also accepted, the Sharks were under-resourced and without a chief executive.
“But the only thing I want everyone to understand out of all this is that I am no drug cheat. I will happily engage with the NRL on its continuing education requirements. Getting back to coaching at the Sharks as soon as possible is my sole priority.
“I would like to thank the Cronulla Sharks for their unwavering support of me throughout this most difficult time and urge all Sharks fans to continue to support this great club.''
Dank received a show-cause notice in relation to his time at Essendon, although it's unclear whether he will receive a separate one for his stint at the Sharks. The sports scientist was given 10 days to respond to about 34 alleged anti-doping breaches during his time at Essendon. It was expected that, depending on the response, ASADA could then issue him with an infraction notice. However, Fairfax Media can reveal Dank and his legal team don't intend to respond. Instead, they plan to take the matter to the Federal Court, ensuring the saga continues.
Read more:
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...k-for-semis-20140314-hviun.html#ixzz2vutJ597Y
