Dear members,
This week the club received information that stage one of the ASADA investigation process has now concluded and Stage 2, the review stage, will begin – this is following standard ASADA procedure.
Throughout this investigation, confidentiality has been paramount to protect the integrity of this process – unfortunately, at various times this process has been undermined by leaks, mistruths and a lack of ethical and professional behavior.
Today the Club is particularly disappointed that the Herald Sun would choose to provide confidential information from an incomplete and interim report that could easily and unfairly damage the reputation of our players.
As previously stated, we believe that our players did not take anything harmful, performance enhancing or illegal during 2012.
Our Club is by no means in any crisis but we are particularly frustrated and disappointed that the Herald Sun has been unable to show the same level of professionalism and integrity as our players have done throughout this process.
The disclosure of players names will not change the outcome of the investigation in any way whatsoever, however it unfairly impacts our players, their reputations, their families and our club.
Our members and supporters should be proud of our players for the way they have conducted themselves through this process – they have cooperated fully, acted with professionalism, told the truth and not once compromised the integrity of this investigation.
Paul Little
Chairman
