The Australian Football League "abandoned its case" against Essendon doctor Bruce Reid after learning lead investigator Brett Clothier "could be publicly cross-examined," according to Le Grand & Akerman of THE AUSTRALIAN. The AFL announced on Sept. 18 it had reached a settlement with Reid. Court documents reveal that on Sept. 17, lawyers for Reid formally served Clothier, the AFL's manager of integrity services, "with a notice of intention to cross-examine him at hearing." Had the AFL not aborted its pursuit of Reid, Clothier "could have been questioned under oath" by Reid's counsel, Ross Gilles, "about any aspect of the AFL investigation into Essendon." Reid's legal advisers believe that the notice to cross-examine Clothier "provided the final impetus for settlement" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 12/11). In Melbourne, Jon Pierik reported AFL Players Association CEO Matt Finnis "continues to work with the AFL on health protocols for Essendon players involved in the supplements scandal, maintaining they will require long-term monitoring" (THE AGE, 12/10).
NRL UPDATE: In Sydney, Michael Chammas reported an update on an investigation into drug protocols at all National Rugby League clubs "is expected to be given to the Australian Rugby League Commission on Wednesday, but there is a growing belief any sanctions will not be made before Christmas." The independent investigation, which has been headed by new GM of Integrity and General Counsel Nick Weeks, is "separate to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation, and focuses on the actions of club management, coaches, medical and training staff" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 12/10). The AAP reported NRL club Manly coach Geoff Toovey has maintained his stance that the NRL club has "nothing to worry about over the ASADA investigation." Speculation is mounting that the NRL "could announce sanctions" on Wednesday, with Cronulla's '11 supplement program the issue "most under the microscope" (AAP, 12/10). In Sydney, NRL Cronulla captain Paul Gallen has "pleaded with the NRL to spare his club any further heartache." Speculation "has been rife for a month that the commission will come down hard on the Sharks for breaching the game's Code of Conduct." Fines of about A$500,000 ($457,000) and sanctions against staff, including a 12-month ban for coach Shane Flanagan, have been forecast (THE AUSTRALIAN, 12/11).
