Andrew Demetriou says Essendon coach James Hird should consider standing down over drug allegations.
Essendon coach James Hird is set to reveal he received two injections from sports scientist Stephen Dank for health reasons.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says there is much more to be revealed in the Essendon drugs saga. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Limited
Essendon coach James Hird. Source: Getty Images
ESSENDON coach James Hird has dismissed suggestions from AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou that he consider standing down.
Demetriou said this morning Hird should consider stepping down while investigations into the Bombers' drugs program are completed.
But Hird responded to the comments in Perth today by saying he was planning for tonight's clash against Fremantle.
"I won't be stepping down," he said.
The Herald Sun today revealed the Bombers coach will tell anti-doping investigators he received two injections from sports scientest Stephen Dank, but will deny they contained illegal drugs.
Demetriou said Hird must at least weigh up standing aside from his role while the matters are being investigated, then returning to the role if cleared.
"As he goes through his thought process ... that is an option he has to consider," Demetriou told 3AW when asked if Hird should temporarily stand aside from coaching the Bombers.
"He has got an outstanding position in this game. He's been a wonderful servant to the Essendon Football Club, an ornament to AFL football.
"He's entitled to be able to put his position forward, which he will get the opportunity (to do) next week with ASADA.
"In the interim, those are the things that will have to cross his mind when he's contemplating what he's going to say to ASADA."
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Demetriou stopped short of saying he'd like Hird to step aside.
"What is fair to say is that Essendon, who came forward ... instituted their own investigation about the governance and the processes. That will be released in the not too distant future," he said.
"Any person, regardless of their role at the club, who puts the duty of the care of their players at risk, will be held accountable."
James Hird goes for a walk in Perth this morning. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun
Asked this morning if he thought Essendon hierarchy had widespread knowledge of the substance injecting program and a clear chain of command in implementing it, Demetriou said there were many details yet to be revealed.
"I'm privy to information that goes beyond what's been reported," Demetriou said on ABC radio.
But Demetriou wouldn't elaborate on what he knew, with ASADA yet to complete its investigation and Essendon's own report still to be released, but he said he was disappointed with the allegations which have engulfed both Hird and Essendon.
"You can't help but be disappointed, particularly as you find out more and understand more about what was going on," Demetriou said on 3AW.
"You'd appreciate I've got briefings that are more advanced than what's in the public domain. I think it's terribly important that we now get the investigations finalised quickly.
"Then we can get to the truth."
Demetriou confirmed it was not against AFL rules for coaches to use performance-enhancing drugs, provided they didn't encourage or direct players to use them.
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"Under the current system, a coach who partakes in the use of performance-enhancing drugs is not covered by the WADA code," he said.
"A coach, however, who is instructive in allowing and has knowledge of the use of performance-enhancing drugs, through means of directing individuals, is covered by the WADA code."
The media pack follows Essendon defender Dustin Fletcher in Perth. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun
Demetriou's latest comments came after email exchanges emerged that show Hird put rules in place for the use of supplements within the Essendon program.
They included strict stipulations that the supplements must not harm the players, must not be illegal under WADA and ASADA guidelines and that the club must get player permission before using them.
- with AAP
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