AFL charges Bombers over supplements saga

Essendon and four of the AFL club's top officials, including coach James Hird, have been charged by the AFL with bringing the game into disrepute over last year's supplements saga.

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Essendon have been charged by the AFL with bringing the game into disrepute over last year's supplements saga.

Coach James Hird, senior assistant Mark Thompson, football manager Danny Corcoran and club doctor Bruce Reid have also been charged with bringing the game into disrepute.

AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said on the evidence currently before the AFL, no anti-doping charges would be laid against Bombers players.

But the ASADA investigation remains ongoing.

"In relation to the Essendon players I can advise that although WADA has declared AOD9604 is a banned substance, on the information currently before the AFL there is no specific anti-doping rule violation attributed to any individual player for the use of AOD9604 or any other prohibited substance," Dillon said.

"As such at the present time there will be no infraction notices issued under the AFL anti-doping code.

"I note the investigation into Essendon's 2011-12 supplements program by ASADA and the AFL remains open and could lead to further charges under the AFL rules against other individuals."

The charges will be heard by the AFL Commission on August 26.

Bombers chairman Paul Little says the club will vigorously defend both the club and the individuals charged.


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Source: AAP


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