The Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority has issued fresh show-cause notices to 34 current and former Essendon players.
The notices include evidence never provided previously by ASADA, detailing their alleged use of proscribed peptide Thymosin beta-4.
The new notices follow those initially handed down in June, prior to the Federal Court case in which the Bombers and coach James Hird challenged the joint AFL and ASADA investigation. The challenge was unsuccessful, although Hird has subsequently decided to appeal that judgment.
The players now have until October 31 to respond until ASADA tables its evidence before the Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel.
Hird’s appeal to the full Federal Court begins on November 10.
AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh issued a statement late on Friday afternoon confirming the news.
“The AFL Players’ Association can confirm the players’ lawyers have received amended show cause notices from ASADA, containing a summary of the evidence in respect of each player,” Marsh said.
“The players’ legal team will review the material in the coming days and discuss the contents with players, to determine what response, if any, they will provide in respect to these amended show cause notices.”
More to come.
This story first appeared in The Age.
