AFL: Melbourne Demons forward Joel Smith has been stood down from the club after testing positive for cocaine, days before his side's Round 23 clash.
While a potential four-year ban hangs overhead, an anti-doping provision could allow him to serve a largely reduced ban.
If successful he could have the ban reduced further to just one month if he undertakes and completes an approved AFL drug treatment program.Source: News Corp AustraliaThe premiership winning coach said if Smith were to escape with a minimal ban it would do nothing to deter players from following suit.
“It’s all nonsense. You know the consequences, you’ve got to suffer the penalty and the penalty has got to be really harsh.” “Keys stakeholders are rarely involved in this. As a coach point of view, you wouldn’t know whether a player tested positive or not because you’re not allowed to know, so therefore you have no input into how to help that player.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Next thing I was on the ground’: Demons star claims meds, stress behind shock hospitalisationAFL: Melbourne CEO Gary Pert denies culture concerns at Demons. Melbourne CEO Gary Pert has spoken out on the furore surrounding the Dees' players
Read more »
Dog-faced demons and a pitchforked penis: the world’s most terrifying artworksSinners being eaten alive by serpents, the antichrist seizing power on Earth, a bound penis menaced by a goat-footed devil … in a Halloween special, we look at four devilish masterpieces. Warning: graphic content
Read more »
AFL stunned over club’s 146-year ‘divorce’Momentum is reportedly building for an AFL national reserves competition, with Port Adelaide flagging concerns with its 146-year run in the SANFL.
Read more »
AFL lifelines handed out as Freo, Tigers officially sign free agentsAFL: Saints recruit Paddy Dow says coach Ross Lyon played a large roll in attracting him to the club.
Read more »
‘Feels real’: Bolter opens up on ‘surreal’ surge amid AFL draft’s big 19th club ‘risk’AFLW: Erin Phillips has spoke to the media in an emotional goodbye to the AFLW competition she starred in, following her basketball career!
Read more »
AFL Fixture for 2024 Season to be ReleasedThe AFL is set to release the fixture for the 2024 season, which is expected to be even longer. The opening weekend will feature four games held in New South Wales and Queensland, with preliminary final rematches and marquee matchups. Clubs have also requested more primetime games and fewer trips to smaller venues.
Read more »