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8 months ago
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Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut has claimed that plenty of AFL stars dabble in illegal drugs in Melbourne pubs and nightclubs - and that nobody should be shocked by allegations that the league has covered up positive results.
It follows the code being rocked on Tuesday after a whistleblowing doctor once employed by the Melbourne Demons revealed allegations of secret illicit drugs tests which saw footy stars able to avoid detection on game days.
Others were allegedly told to fake injuries to avoid testing from World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) representatives.
Federal MP Andrew Wilkie used his parliamentary privilege to drop the bombshell, with the AFL's controversial three-strike policy for illicit drugs now firmly in the spotlight.
Speaking on Channel Nine's Today program on Thursday morning, Bogut was typically blunt when quizzed about the supposed anti-social habits of AFL stars.
Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut has made the shocking claim that plenty of AFL stars dabble in illegal drugs in Melbourne pubs and nightclubs
Bogut's claim follows the AFL being rocked when a whistleblowing doctor revealed allegations of secret illicit drugs tests that enabled footy stars to avoid detection on game days
The AFL declared it's 'unapologetic' about steps taken to ensure players with illicit substances in their system do not take part in matches (pictured, CEO Andrew Dillon)
Federal MP Andrew Wilkie used his parliamentary privilege to drop the illicit drugs in AFL bombshell (stock image)
'If you are surprised [by these revelations] you'd be shocked that Santa Claus isn't real,' the NBA championship winner with Golden State Warriors said.
'I mean, you know, anyone that's gone out, anyone that's gone out in Melbourne and visited nightclubs has seen for themselves what goes on.
'Put two and two together.'
Bogut said he has no time for performance-enhancing drug cheats in professional sport and believes those caught should be banned for life.
He added modern day players indulging in recreational drugs such as cocaine 'happens at some places', where if you look hard enough, you can 'see everything you want to see.'
The father of two wasn't finished, pointing to Federal Government funding the AFL receives - and that as a result, the 'code doesn't want star players getting pinged for drug tests'.
Bogut's strong views come as the AFL declared it is 'unapologetic' about steps taken to ensure players with illicit substances in their system do not take part in matches.
It evoked a furious reaction from respected AFL identities such as former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, Port Adelaide chairman David Koch and Melbourne Demons great Garry Lyon.
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