The breaking of the Sam Murray story on the AFL's own website has forced chief executive Gillon McLachlan onto the back foot.
McLachlan repeatedly said on Friday that he could not comment on the specifics of the ASADA investigation into the Collingwood player.
Murray has allegedly returned a positive test result to a banned substance. Under the anti-doping authority's code, the process is supposed to be confidential.
"I'm bemused about this," McLachlan told 3AW.
"But when more than a couple of people know - Collingwood has confirmed it was advised some time ago and the player advised and they have legal advice - there is a percentage chance of it coming out."
The AFL website broke the story on Friday morning before it was taken offline, so the league's legal department could vet it.
The story was then posted online again, with changes.
"It was taken down for a while ... they pulled it down and changed some wording to satisfy the lawyers," McLachlan said.
"That's what happens when you hire independent journalists."
After the story was broken, Collingwood issued a media release on Friday morning which confirmed that Murray was under ASADA investigation.
"Sam may have authorised that ... my obligations have very clearly been put to me a number of times, that I'm not able to make any comment as the process plays out," McLachlan said.
"Under the ASADA code, to which we're a signatory, it's confidentiality ... I'm sorry."
McLachlan confirmed there are provisions for a four-year ban if a player tests positive on match day - but he again stressed he was not talking specifically about Murray's case.
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