ParraEelsNRL wrote:Out of control.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/a ... 6527803083
AFL stars exploit loophole to avoid drug strikes
Michael Warner Herald Sun December 01, 2012 12:00AM
AFL players are avoiding drug strikes by exploiting a loophole in the game's illicit drugs policy.
The Herald Sun can reveal there has been a spike in players self-reporting the use of drugs to AFL medical directors Dr Peter Harcourt and Dr Harry Unglik.
The concern is restricted to a small number of players, most from the same club.
By self-reporting, players avoid registering a positive drug test and a strike against their name.
Self-reporting is a feature of the AFL's three-strikes illicit drugs policy and occurs when a player wishes to admit having used drugs.
Club chiefs say excuses used include "I have had my drink spiked" and "I've accidentally had drugs".
Some players have self-reported more than once, raising concerns about a deliberate abuse of
AFL players are regularly tested for illicit drugs and can be tested at any time, not just on match days.
There was a surge in self-reports this year, leading to suspicions players were abusing the system.
The revelation comes amid calls for a tightening of the illicit drugs policy and concern from clubs about a growing illegal drug culture.
The Herald Sun understands the AFL and AFLPA are considering limiting the number of allowable self-reporting incidents to one per player.
An increase in the number of off-season hair tests is also being considered.
The league said last night: "The AFL and its medical directors have made recommendations to the AFLPA in relation to aspects of the illicit drugs policy."
AFL Players' Association general manager of player relations Ian Prendergast said the union was in continuing talks with the AFL and its medicos about improving illicit drugs policy.
"If there are issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the policy not only helps players at risk but also acts as a strong deterrent, I'm confident we can address those issues through our discussion with the AFL medicos," Mr Prendergast said.
"However, to say the policy is the problem, and not the factors leading players to engage in risky behaviour, is short-sighted.
"This is an issue within our community that we acknowledge and understand will inevitably impact on our members in some way.
"If clubs have concerns about drug use among their players, they can approach the AFL medicos for target testing of those players and to adopt strategies to deal with such concerns ."
Sure is out of control.
Drug addicts the lot of them.......AFL players are turning to private rehabilitation clinics to deal with serious illegal drug problems.
At least two Melbourne-based footballers have sought help for treatment of addiction to methamphetamine, more commonly known as ice.
The Herald Sun has been told the players went in alone out of fear of the consequences from their club or the AFL if it became known they need help.
Two Melbourne clinics are known to have treated footballers battling addiction.
One clinic is popular with the wealthy and showbiz personalities. The clinics declined to comment when contacted by the Herald Sun.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/AFL- ... z2Dv1cvVRD
