Wednesday 13 February 2013

Gagged Dons unable to defend James Hird


Gagged Dons unable to defend James Hird

Clubs are feeling frustrated by lack of specifics

130213S Nathan Buckley
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, taking a hands-on role at training in Melbourne yesterday, says he feels for his Essendon counterpart Source: Getty Images
CONFIDENTIALITY agreements have prevented Essendon from defending senior coach James Hird against claims by sacked performance scientist Stephen Dank.
The club gagged coaching staff following an explosive interview with Dank aired on the ABC on Monday night, but not before senior assistant coach Mark Thompson pleaded his innocence, telling The Australian he "felt sorry for a lot of people" after watching the interview.
Dank said he provided club management and medical staff with a breakdown of the players' treatment schedules and held "detailed discussions" with Hird about the fitness program now being investigated by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
He said some staff, including Hird and club doctor Bruce Reid, were informed about the substances being administered.
It was also alleged that coaches took drugs that were prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency for use by players.
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A senior Essendon source yesterday said government red tape prevented the Bombers from defending staff members, claiming "our hands are tied" in supporting Hird, fellow coaches and Reid.
"A bunch of people are being smashed at the moment and it's frustrating for everyone," he said.
However, Hird got some sympathy yesterday from his Collingwood counterpart, Nathan Buckley. "I can't imagine how he would feel, and the position that he is in," Buckley said.
"I'm sure he wouldn't have contemplated it, even in his darkest times, so I do feel for him, but leadership can be tough.
"I'm sure with his qualities he'll navigate the club through it."
Buckley said when the Australian Crime Commission revealed its Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport report last Thursday after a 12-month investigation, the impression given was much more dramatic than what had subsequently emerged.
"For the 12 hours after the announcement last week, you're wondering 'Gee, that's a lot worse than what I suspected and what I thought'," Buckley said.
"But I wouldn't think it would be widespread and I think all of us have seen it watered down as the time has gone on over the last week or so.
"If you're going to make those claims then be specific about them, because you have tarnished the sport and you have brought individuals of great quality and reputation into disrepute."
Buckley wants the AFL to provide clubs with as much information as possible on their specific details, such as informing the club at which one player is suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs.
He was confident none of his players had used performance-enhancing drugs, but said the competition needed answers.
Buckley said there was no place for drug cheats and that there was frustration at the "vague" nature of the ACC report.
He said clubs needed as much information as possible to make informed decisions in dealing with the findings of the report.
Buckley said Collingwood's sports science department did not push its program to the edge, nor did it have any grey areas, revealing it had a log of all supplements, including proteins, given to players dating back to 2002.
Essendon chief executive Ian Robson yesterday said: "Last week the club called for an investigation by the AFL and ASADA. That investigation is ongoing.
"The only thing we can say is to reiterate the point that our chairman David Evans made to the families of our players here last night, that the energy and focus of everyone at the Essendon Football Club right now is on the wellbeing and welfare of the players."

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