The World Anti-Doping Agency said that the second part of an "explosive" Independent Commission report into allegations of systematic doping and "corruption and bribery" at the highest levels of int'l athletics will be released on Jan. 14, according to Andrew Both of REUTERS. The first part of the report authored by former WADA President Dick Pound was released in November. When the report was released in November, WADA said it was "temporarily withholding some information from the public arena" until int'l criminal police body Interpol had time to consider the evidence for appropriate investigation. WADA said at the time, "This report also identifies corruption and bribery practices at the highest levels of international athletics, evidence of which has been transmitted to Interpol for appropriate investigation." That publication "has been delayed by a couple of weeks," with WADA spokesperson Ben Nichols saying that Jan. 14 is the "now revised date for the release." Pound has said the second part of the report will include "further allegations that focus on possible corruption" within the IAAF and will have a "wow" factor (REUTERS, 12/28).
MANNING ALLEGATIONS 'VERY CONCERNING': REUTERS reported WADA described allegations made in an Al-Jazeera report that NFL Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning took human growth hormone (HGH) as "very concerning" and has urged "increased collaboration" with sports leagues in the U.S. Though Manning has "vehemently denied the allegations and the source of the Al-Jazeera report has since recanted the claims he was shown making in the film," WADA said that it expects a "careful investigation by the relevant authorities." WADA Dir General David Howman said that he was "taking the report seriously and took aim at the NFL." He said in a statement, "Al-Jazeera's allegations are very concerning, particularly as it relates to the NFL's and MLB's testing programs." NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said, "Regarding Mr. Howman's statement, we have valued our long-standing association with WADA and look forward to continuing to work closely with the organization to improve the effectiveness of all anti-doping programs" (REUTERS, 12/29).
