- Andrew Bogut was typically blunt on Channel Nine’s Today show
- Alleged AFL stars dabbling in illegal drugs is nothing new
- It comes as the AFL has been rocked by an illicit drugs scandal.
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Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut has claimed many AFL stars dabble in illegal drugs in Melbourne pubs and nightclubs, and no one should be surprised by allegations the league has covered up positive results.
It follows the code that was shaken on Tuesday after a whistleblowing doctor once employed by the Melbourne Demons revealed allegations of secret illicit drug testing in which football stars were able to avoid detection on game days.
Others were allegedly told to fake injuries to avoid testing by 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 show on Thursday morning, Bogut was typically blunt when asked about the alleged anti-social habits of AFL stars.
Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut has made the shocking claim that many 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 drug testing that allowed football stars to avoid detection on game days.
The AFL stated it “makes no apologies” for the measures taken to ensure players with illicit substances in their systems do not take part in matches (pictured chief executive Andrew Dillon)
Federal MP Andrew Wilkie used his parliamentary privilege to root out illicit drugs at the AFL bomb (file image)
‘If you are surprised (by these revelations) You would be surprised to know that Santa Claus doesn’t exist,” said the NBA championship winner with the Golden State Warriors.
‘I mean, you know, anyone who’s gone out, anyone who’s gone out in Melbourne and visited nightclubs has seen for themselves what happens.
‘Put two and two together.’
Bogut said he doesn’t have time to cheat with performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports and believes those caught should be banned for life.
He added that today’s players turning to recreational drugs like cocaine “happens in some places,” where if you look hard enough, you can “see everything you want to see.”
The father-of-two didn’t finish, pointing out the federal government funding the AFL receives and that, as a result, the “code doesn’t want star players to be drug tested.”
Bogut’s strong views come as the AFL stated it “makes no apologies” for measures taken to ensure players with illicit substances in their systems do not participate in matches.
It provoked a furious reaction from respected AFL identities such as former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, Port Adelaide president David Koch and Melbourne Demons great Garry Lyon.