GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

[dukedog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

It's a pretty soft sentence but I can kind of see why ASADA would do the deal. If they try to prosecute it fully the AFEL will make the investigation difficult, then they'll select a tribunal panel that will clear Whitfield, then WADA will have to take the case to a proper court where there'll be an actual hearing. That will take 12-24 months and cost millions. ASADA won't want to wear the costs or have another drawn out public battle, and the AFEL know this.

6 months and 9 games is very light, but then again if the AFEL were in charge of the anti-doping program Whitfield wouldn't even get 6 days.

Hit the nail on the head mate. Very very soft. Just glad the kid isnt copping it all. Those two should be ashamed of themselves.

[GVGjr]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

There is some speculation that Allan is brokering a 12 month ban for himself and I gather Lambert would have to be regarded as the same. I don't like these brokered deals but 12 months is a reasonable ban.

Not comfortable with the speculation that Whitfield could be back by round 9.

As for GWS, they have to lose at least 1 pick hopefully 2 at the National Draft

[Twodogs]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

It's a pretty soft sentence but I can kind of see why ASADA would do the deal. If they try to prosecute it fully the AFEL will make the investigation difficult, then they'll select a tribunal panel that will clear Whitfield, then WADA will have to take the case to a proper court where there'll be an actual hearing. That will take 12-24 months and cost millions. ASADA won't want to wear the costs or have another drawn out public battle, and the AFEL know this.

6 months and 9 games is very light, but then again if the AFEL were in charge of the anti-doping program Whitfield wouldn't even get 6 days.

Everyone cops a whack, I can live with it. Whether it is a big enough whack is a different matter.

[westdog54]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

As much as I hate the 'negotiated outcome', I don't want to see another long, drawn-out shitfight between the AFL and ASADA.

Glad Lambert and Allen have copped longer bans than Whitfield.

Looks like Gubby may be cut loose by Collingwood as a result: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-new...14-gsp57o.html

While I'd love to see draft penalties, I don't think Pick 2 should be factored into that equation. They gave up something of value to acquire a pick that early, I can see the argument for it being left alone.

[1eyedog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

8 rounds of footy next season is an insufficient ban imo. Who knows what the hell they were up to, nothing good that's for sure. I'm pretty sure a large number of Essendon players didn't actually know what the hell they were getting themselves into, but Whitfield did, and he deliberately avoided the drug testers because of it. He knowingly had something inside his body that was banned, and they all knew it.

Asides from resourcing, funding et al. WADA do not dance to the same tune as the AFL / ASADA and I hope they go all Connor McGregor over the top of the both of them.

In the words of Ellen Ripley to Carter J Burke 'I hope they nail them right to the wall'.

[Bornadog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

8 rounds of footy next season is an insufficient ban imo.

Isn't it a 6 month ban that starts from now?

[1eyedog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

Yep but how does between now and round 1 really matter? Should be out for the year.

[Bornadog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

Yep but how does between now and round 1 really matter? Should be out for the year.

The negotiation process is ridiculous. Either he gets the full ban or not, none of this BS of 6 months which doesn't really effect his playing - like you said just 8 matches. Should have got at least a year so he doesn't play till 2018.

[choconmientay]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

Confirmed:
Lachie Whitfield will receive a six-month suspension and Graeme Allan and Craig Lambert will be banned for the entire 2017 season.
No word on draft pick penalties.

I wonder if the afl is testing the water and want to see how the fans receiving the news and adjust the draft pick penalties accordingly if any.

[1eyedog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

The negotiation process is ridiculous. Either he gets the full ban or not, none of this BS of 6 months which doesn't really effect his playing - like you said just 8 matches. Should have got at least a year so he doesn't play till 2018.

Agreed. So in order to avoid a 2 year / 4 year ban you just guzzle banned substances and then play hide and seek for a while and if you're caught hiding then cop your 6 months, which you negotiate. Absolute joke.

[Remi Moses]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

So how on earth does Dave Matthews think they shouldn't cop a draft sanction?
Those two were on your books Dave

[GVGjr]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

Is Whitfield banned from the club during that period or can he train with them?

There has to be a decision on the draft picks soon.

[Twodogs]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

Is Whitfield banned from the club during that period or can he train with them?

There has to be a decision on the draft picks soon.

Before Friday would be good.

[1eyedog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

Is Whitfield banned from the club during that period or can he train with them?

There has to be a decision on the draft picks soon.

Banned from the club for the next 4 months so coveniently gets back to training in round 1.

[Topdog]

Re: GWS and Lachie Whitfield - Drugs Investigation

So to get this straight.

Investigation took ~ 18 months.
Whitfield played an entire season while under investigation.
Whitfield played finals and had the opportunity to shape a prelim final.
6 weeks after finals series and ~18 months of investigation he gets a 6 month ban (max available was 4 years)
6 month ban only suspends him from the club for 4 months (happens to be round 1)
officials involved get 12 month bans.

Yeah that sounds like an AFEL investigation if ever I've seen one.