Doping probe rocks Australian sport

Updated

An Australian Crime Commission investigation has found widespread drug use in Australian professional sport, with some athletes being given substances not yet approved for human use.

The year-long investigation says organised criminal networks have been involved in distributing the drugs to athletes and support staff, including doctors and coaches.

In at least one case an entire team is believed to have been doped.

A former head of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority says today is the "blackest day in Australian sport" while Justice Minister Jason Clare says "the findings are shocking and they'll disgust Australian sports fans".

The report's key points:

The use of prohibited substances, including peptides, hormones, and illicit drugs, is widespread amongst professional athletes.

The Australian Crime Commission says no code is immune from the scandal.

Players are being administered with drugs not yet approved for human use.

The doping is being run by sports scientists, coaches, support staff, doctors and pharmacists.

Organised crime is involved in distributing the drugs and, in one possible case, match-fixing.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) will get new powers to conduct a "full and unhindered investigation".

Authorities are refusing to name the athletes and teams involved But Victoria Police say a confidential version of the report contains names.

The NRL is investigating Manly and Penrith's records; the AFL announces changes to its integrity program.

Find out more: GHRP, pig brain extract, and other weapons in the dopers' chemical arsenal.

Look back at how the day's events unfolded (All times AEDT):

8:04pm:

Justice Minister Jason Clare joined 7.30 host Leigh Sales to discuss the report's claims and possible responses to them.

He says a classified version of the report has been handed to the Australian Federal Police and other relevant authorities.

7:51pm:

Dr Brian Morton, chair of the committee of general practice at the Australian Medical Association, has told PM that one of the main problems is that a lot of the drugs are legal when used properly.

But he says there are mechanisms in place to catch out those who try and cheat the system.

"I think there's some classic examples and that's EPO, which are used in patients with renal failure and they're on special authority from the Government and can only be prescribed by an approved renal physician.

"Other things like testosterone, there are requirements for testing to make sure the patient is truly testosterone deficient, two blood tests at least are required.

The PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) is audited from time to time and those sorts of things really depend on the doctor's ethics.

"It's relatively easy to do but it's very readily recognisable and there are networks in both Medicare and the PBS to highlight unusual prescribing of drugs."

7:45pm:

The Australian Crime Commission's report suggests organised crime has been involved in providing drugs to athletes around Australia.

Caro Meldrum-Hanna from the ABC's 7.30 has been investigating some of those alleged links.

6:55pm:

Rhonda Orr, a senior lecturer in exercise and sports science at the University of Sydney, has told PM that an extract made from calf's blood has been used by some sports teams in recent seasons.

She says the extract is not on the list of banned substances and it is used in a clinical setting.

"It's manufactured from a natural source. It improves absorption of glucose, oxygen uptake into the tissues and cells of the body. "They've used it in neuropathies, in people with type 2 diabetes. I think they've used it in stroke cases and there's some evidence that it may be useful in neurological cases as well. "I think because the drug is relatively new to the market, the long-term effects are at the present unknown."

6:26pm:

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says the league will enforce mandatory reporting of doping activity and approaches.

He says the AFL commission has endorsed more people, testing, technology and "intelligence gathering" for its integrity.

The AFL will also establish a whistleblower service to combat doping.

Demetriou says the code will work closely with states and police bodies to share information.

He says there will also be background checks for all staff.

"We will also enhance the registration of all club staff and personnel who have contact with players including sports scientists, high-performance managers and there'll be appropriate background checks which will involve registering your background qualifications, which sports you may have worked and your CV."

6:12pm:

The North Queensland Cowboys have tweeted a quote from star playmaker Johnathan Thurston:

@nthqldcowboys JT on the ACC report: I've never even heard on peptides. I support the NRL tackling the issue.

5:46pm:

Not long now until AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou holds a press conference at AFL House scheduled for 6pm.

5:44pm:

ABC Grandstand presenter Peter Wilkins has told ABC News 24 that the sporting community wants dopers named.

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Wilkins says dopers should be named (ABC News)

5:32pm:

Manly coach Geoff Toovey says he welcomes an investigation into the NRL club's sport science department.

Toovey was confident the club had nothing to hide and said it would assist the NRL in any way possible.

"It was a decision from the NRL and we're fully participating and cooperating," he said.

Read more here

5:16pm:

Veteran NRL super-coach Wayne Bennett says he is still trying to get his head around the explosive findings of the year-long probe. Read the story here

5:01pm:

Here is Tabcorp chief David Attenborough's interview with the ABC in which he says corruption in sport is a problem that affects countries and sport all around the world.

4:43pm:

Auditors have reportedly been commissioned to review records of supplements bought by NRL clubs Manly and Penrith following their connection with sports scientist Stephen Dank. Read the story here

4:34pm:

Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Griffin says no player at the club has ever failed a drug test.

"Everything our players take, you could take. You could go and buy it today at a chemist. It's all in line with AIS supplement programs. "We've been tested just like anybody else by ASADA and over the years we've never had a problem."

4:21pm:

World Anti-Doping Agency president John Fahey has rejected a suggestion that sports betting should be temporarily banned, now the Australian Crime Commission has uncovered doping and links to organised crime in sport.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon is calling for the ban until sporting codes are cleared of links to organised crime.

But Mr Fahey does not believe that is the right response.

"Well that just drives it underground. It sounds good, but it just drives it underground.

"If people want to bet they don't rely upon a corner shop or something, they can do it legally with a registered agent who advertising on TV."

4:03pm:

Earlier today Greater Western Sydney Giants coach Kevin Sheedy says any AFL player found to be cheating should be "eradicated" from the game.

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Sheedy supports ACC doping investigation (ABC News)

3:48pm:

Tabcorp chief executive David Attenborough has told the ABC that corruption in sport is a problem and has been for a long time.

"It's a problem that affects countries and sport all around the world. "The one thing Australia has is the best sports betting regulation in the world, and they certainly make it very difficult for that sort of corruption to hit this market. "Not impossible, but we work closely with the regulators to limit any integrity issues that take place in the Australian market. "Integrity issues always affect betting; you don't want to bet on events that are not run properly. "It is critical for us that these matters get dealt with effectively. We will work with regulators around their sports."

3:27pm:

Telstra is among the major companies considering the impact of today's revelations on its sporting sponsorships.

Chief executive David Thodey says the telco will be carefully monitoring the situation.

"Our brand image is very tightly tied with those who we sponsor with, and so if there is any untoward behaviour that we don't agree with then we make our position very clear."

2:52pm:

The Senate has today established an inquiry into gambling and sport, and in particular "the importance of spot betting and its potential effect on the integrity of sporting codes".

It will also examine whether betting has affected the public attitude towards sport.

The motion was put forward by Greens Senator Richard Di Natale and amended by Independent Senator Nick Xenophon before being passed by the Senate.

It is due to report back by May 16.

Senator Xenophon says sports betting should be banned until sport is cleared of links to organised crime.

"This is about the saving the integrity of sporting codes, and honestly some of the approach of sporting codes in relation to dealing with drugs in sport where there is a link with organised crime has really been quite woeful."

2:46pm:

Earlier today ASADA's chief executive officer Aurora Andruska said she couldn't say how long the investigations would take, and urged athletes to come forward with information.

Sorry, this video has expired Video: ASADA chief Aurora Andruska speaks to reporters (ABC News)

2:34pm:

Where do the major codes stand?

NRL: Former Federal Court Judge appointed to investigate doping allegations affecting "more than one player and more than one club". AFL: Officials to meet with clubs to review the extent of medical supervision over fitness programs and treatments provided to players. Rugby Union: The ARU "confident" in its anti-doping measures but would be "naive" to think it is fully in the clear. Cricket: Immediate review of integrity systems, controls and processes ordered; "no specific evidence" of links to underworld betting.

2:20pm:

Leading NRL coach Wayne Bennett says he doubts there's widespread doping and match-fixing in rugby league.

"Clubs that I have been a part of we certainly have never been into some of the suggestions that are happening now. "You have no control over individuals but you do have control over your club and the direction and the information you give them and the instructions you give them and what you want them to believe in and the direction you want them to follow."

Brumbies coach Jake White says rugby union has a "massive clean slate".

"In rugby union the one thing that's very big is anti-drugs."

2:06pm:

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates has a blunt warning for cheats - put your hand up now because you'll be caught sooner or later.

In a statement released this lunchtime he called for "severe" penalties and "more investigative work off the field of play".

"I join the major professional sports in saying to those involved in illegal activities in sport that now is the time to put your hand up and tell ASADA what you know. "As of today you will get caught. "As well as the new investigative powers the laboratories continue to store samples and re-test those samples when new tests are perfected. For some cheats the knock at the door has not come yet, but it will come."

Read more about Coates's comments.

2:04pm:

From the ACC report: "Some anti-ageing clinics have been identified as a key source of supply of pharmaceutical grade WADA-prohibited [performance-enhancing drugs] to athletes, in some cases without prescription."

1:47pm:

News Limited is reporting that the NRL has sent a team of auditors to Manly with a brief to investigate the Sea Eagles' sports science department.

1:45pm:

World Anti-Doping Agency president John Fahey says he was alarmed by the report's findings, but not surprised.

"I think it tells us how wide [and] how deep this problem is - in a country that prides itself on fair play we've got a problem of the nature we've heard of today."

He says the report's findings prove the issue of doping is "alive and well", and should refocus international efforts to stamp it out.

Mr Fahey has suggested that extra resources will be needed to deal with the issue.

On whether this is the blackest day in Australian sport, he says: "I think the blackest day will come if we don't take the opportunity that's now presented to us, face the problem head on, give it the resources and commitment, and ensure that there are systems in place so that there's no other black days like this in the future."

1:35pm: How much do you know about the substances like GHRP, pig brain extract, and the other weapons in the dopers' chemical arsenal? Read our explainer here.

Web searches for GHRP

Web searches for growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP) have been growing worldwide and are much more common in Australia than in the United States or the United Kingdom, Google Trends data suggests. View interactive charts Web searches for growth hormone releasing hexapeptide (GHRP) have been growing worldwide and are much more common in Australia than in the United States or the United Kingdom, Google Trends data suggests.

1:29pm: Some Twitter reaction:

@Culbert_Report Wow. Wow. Wow. Seen some pressers in my time. That one near the top of the list. Ben Johnson circa 1988 kind of day. #Drugsinsport @MitchellWatt Unfortunately you can’t rely on the doping tests. Too many athletes get caught for the 1st time years after they started cheating (if ever). @MitchellWatt For example, my old training partner came 4th in ‘04 Olympics. The girls who came 2nd and 3rd got banned EIGHT YEARS after medals were given @HockeyAustralia "If you want to dope, we will catch you. If you want to fix a match, we will catch you." Well said Minister @KateLundy | #integrityofsport @TimHoran12 Whats going on with drugs in sport these days. What about taking BHW tablet. #bloodyhardwork @WarrenSmithFOX If sports are serious about confronting doping/match fixing, then those found guilty need to face mandatory life bans. 2 years is a joke. @GerardWhateley As shocking as it is, it's better to know. Innocence and ignorance have no place now. Actions must now match the stern words #drugsinsport

1:17pm: The boss of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland, says he was shocked when briefed about the Crime Commission's findings earlier this week.

He said there was "no specific evidence or links" between criminal figures and Australia's cricketers.

"No sport can afford anything other than constant vigilance," he said.

He said Cricket Australia would immediately carry out a review of its integrity systems, controls and processes.

1:09pm: Football Federation Australia's chief executive David Gallop says soccer is vigilant about doping and match-fixing but says there's no specific evidence of it happening.

"There's nothing specific in relation to football in relation to this report, but that doesn't mean we don't join in the general concern about the issues that are raised in the report. "We must maintain vigilance in education, in making sure that players are aware of penalties that can be imposed, [and] in surveillance."

Victoria Police have identified the A-League as being at major risk of match-fixing.

12:52pm: Kevin Sheedy is asked whether he has noticed any evidence of match fixing:

"Match fixing? I hope not. From my point of view, I try to win every game I can. Our game would be very difficult (to fix). It's a bouncing ball game."

12:41pm: Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy says the report will be a "rude awakening" for many people involved in professional sport, but he's pleased the report's findings have been released so that action can be taken.

"The great thing about AFL I feel is we took on racism and we smashed it all over the ballpark. "So here's another example where sport can be used as an example of getting rid of the problems in society, and making sure that we actually keep up our integrity standards and don't drop off."

12:28pm: ASADA's chief executive officer Aurora Andruska says the agency identified possible criminal links as early as 18 months ago while investigating the use of peptides and hormones in sport.

"As a result of these links we were keen to involve the Australian Crime Commission and support them through their investigation," she said. "What the Australian Crime Commission's report reveals is extremely disturbing. "It highlights threats to the integrity of sport and identifies the widespread use of peptides and hormones in some sports. "Peptides and hormones are considered a new generation of substances and most are prohibited in sport. "In many instances, the substances are not yet approved for human use."

She says ASADA has begun a formal investigation into individual athletes and support staff across a range of sports, although privacy provisions prevent the agency from discussing who is being targeted.

"I cannot say how long it will take, but I can assure everyone that we will be taking the steps necessary to undertake a comprehensive and timely investigation. "We are urging anyone with information about doping in sport to come and talk to us. Every bit of information, no matter how little, could be a piece of a puzzle we need."

12:26pm: We're standing by for a press conference from Kevin Sheedy.

12:22pm: In related news just in, the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) says Lance Armstrong now says he wants "to be part of the solution and assist in the effort to clean up the sport of cycling."

USADA has given Armstrong two more weeks to cooperate fully in its investigations, in return for a possible reduction of his life ban.

12:12am: AFL boss Andrew Demetriou responds to the Crime Commission's findings:

Mr Demetriou says a number of measures have already been put in place to prevent drugs and match-fixing, but it's clear more needs to be done.

"The report findings are deeply concerning on a number of levels for all sports fans, athletes and administrators," he said. "I urge any current or former player or club official with knowledge of inappropriate behaviour or activity to come forward and assist our efforts."

He said AFL officials would meet with clubs to review the extent of medical supervision over fitness programs and treatments provided to players.

12:10pm: Earlier Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver said the ACC report was a wake-up call to professional sporting codes.

He said he was quite proud of the code's anti-doping measures, but: "I think it would be naive for the ARU and Australian rugby community to believe that this is not an issue that spans all professional sports."

He later added: "There are no investigations on foot in regards to rugby, but there can be no room for complacency.

"ARU will provide cooperation and assistance to the relevant authorities to ensure full transparency, along with other member sports of COMPPS (Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports)."

12:06pm: Victoria Police says authorities have identified A-League soccer as being at major risk of match-fixing.

"We're seeing vast increases in the betting pools in Asia on A-League soccer," Deputy Commissioner Ashton said.

He added that one bookmaker alone had taken more than $40 million on one A-League match.

He said cricket and tennis were also at risk, based on the amount of betting involved.

"When this betting is occurring to that level, it becomes attractive for crime figures to want to get involved and fix matches to get certain outcomes to make large sums of money."

Sorry, this video has expired Video: Victoria Police received report from ACC days ago (ABC News)

12:00pm: Management at the Brisbane Broncos NRL team say they have nothing to fear from the investigation.

A Broncos spokesman says drugs are not an issue and the team has no medical sports scientists.

The Broncos will hold a media conference later today.

11:57am: Victoria's Deputy Police Commissioner Graham Ashton is speaking to reporters now.

He says match-fixing investigations are already underway in the horse racing industry, but say there are no such investigations involving other sports at this stage.

He says the confidential version of the ACC's report details the names of who is allegedly involved, but he's not allowed to disclose those details.

11:55am: Performance coach Wayne Goldsmith says supplement use is widespread and known to team managers in Australian Rules.

11:49am: Mr Ings says he's confident ASADA's new coercive powers "mean Australia is better placed than any country in the world to be able to handle this worst-case scenario."

11:42am: Former ASADA boss Richard Ings has told ABC News 24 that: "This is not a black day in Australian sport, this is the blackest day in Australian sport."

We're standing by for a press conference from Victoria Police.

11:39am: Kate Lundy ends the media conference with this comment: "I would urge anyone who is involved in cheating and fixing to step forward, make themselves known, and be part of cleaning up sport in Australia".

11:33am: Here are some more key findings contained in the ACC's report:

Some sports scientists and doctors are experimenting on professional athletes in an effort to determine if particular substances can improve performance without being detected.

An instance of team-based doping, orchestrated by some club officials and coaching staff, has been identified.

Officials from one club have been identified as administering, via injections and intravenous drips, a variety of substances, possibly including peptides

The ACC has identified links between professional athletes and organised criminal identities in Australia.

Illicit drug use by athletes leaves them particularly vulnerable to exploitation for other criminal purposes, including match fixing and fraud arising out of the provision of "inside information".

There are clear parallels between what has been discovered in Australia and the USADA investigation into Lance Armstrong, underlining the transnational threat posed by doping to professional sport, both from a ‘fair play’ perspective and as a broader integrity issue.

11:30am: The Government is not saying which clubs or which players are caught up in the alleged drug use or match-fixing.

Sports Minister Kate Lundy said: "It's entirely appropriate to allow due process to unfold with these investigations and for privacy and the other confidentiality imperatives of our law enforcement agencies to be respected".

The Crime Commission says there are legal restrictions on what it is allowed to say publicly.

Jason Clare says he can understand why the public will be frustrated that it's not yet being told who has been caught up in the ACC investigation, but says it's important not to compromise any criminal prosecution.

11:26am: From the ACC report: "In some cases, medical practitioners who are prescribing peptides, hormones and other PIEDs are engaging in lax, fraudulent and unethical prescribing practices, such as prescribing controlled drugs in false names."

11:21am: Peptides are one of the substances authorities have been focusing on:

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, and are the building blocks for protein.

Peptides like the insulin hormone are naturally produced by the body.

There are also various types of peptide supplements.

Some peptide supplements are taken to help the body recover from strenuous activity.

These type of peptides work just like protein supplements.

They are not injected, can be bought over the counter and are legal.

There are also a variety of peptides that encourage the body to release growth hormones.

These type of peptides stimulate muscular growth with fewer side effects than anabolic steroids.

These type of peptides are banned.

11:17am: Watch Jason Clare and Kate Lundy announce the report's findings.

11:15am: NRL boss David Smith says former Federal Court judge Tony Whitlam has been appointed to work with anti-doping authorities and establish a new integrity unit within the code.

"Information has come forward for NRL specifically that affects more than one player and more than one club. "This is a really important time for sport. "I think we have an obligation to make sure that we do treat this very seriously and that we respond accordingly. It's a very serious issue."

11:13am: The ABC's Michael Rowland on Twitter:

@mjrowland68 NRL CEO Dave Smith says more than one player and more than one NRL club involved. Won't be drawn on whether it's drugs or match fixing.

11:10am: Background video: Dr Robin Willcourt was consulted by Essendon's Steve Dank and Dean Robinson last year and outlines what he told them about sports supplements while he also suggests the use of testosterone and hormones to return athletes to their normal levels of those substances should be allowed.

11:06am: AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says the findings of the report came as a shock to him.

"Sport is too important in this community. Everyone wants to watch a sport that's pure and we welcome the briefings from the Crime Commission and we welcome the Federal Government action," he said.

11:04am: Read the Australian Crime Commission's report here:

11:03am: The Crime Commission boss has declined to say which code is involved in the match-fixing allegations.

"I can tell you that there is one, and it's been referred to the relevant authorities," Mr Lawler said.

11:02am: Justice Minister Jason Clare says the Crime Commission has identified the risk, but also the reality in one case, of match-fixing.

Crime Commission boss John Lawler says the threat of match-fixing is "extraordinarily serious" because it involves large amounts of money through global betting arrangements.

"Organised crime has many facets. It will go to where there is lucrative profits to be made, low risk, regulatory weakness, and they will exploit those vulnerabilities."

10:57am: James Sutherland, the chairman of the Major Professional and Participation Sports organisation, says "Australia's major sports are rock solid behind the Government and federal authorities in our determination to tackle this issue."

"Sport plays an important part in the Australian way of life and Australia's sports fans deserve nothing short of a total commit from big sports as we leave no stone unturned to ensure fair play and to preserve the integrity of our sporting contests."

10:47am: Speaking to reporters in Canberra now, Mr Clare has said "the findings are shocking and they will disgust Australian sports fans."

He says authorities believe multiple criminal offences have been committed, and is vowing to pursue anyone involved.

"The findings are shocking and they'll disgust Australian sports fans," Mr Clare told reporters in Canberra, at a press conference also attended by the heads of major sporting codes.

"The findings indicate that drugs are being facilitated by sports scientists, coaches, support staff as well as doctors and pharmacists. And in some cases sports scientists and others orchestrating the doping of entire teams."

10:44am: Here's what we know so far:

The Crime Commission believes the involvement of criminal figures may have resulted in match-fixing and the fraudulent manipulation of betting markets.

"Multiple athletes from a number of clubs in major Australian sporting codes are suspected of currently using or having previously used peptides, potentially constituting anti-doping rule violations," Justice Minister Jason Clare said.

He said some coaches, sports scientists and support staff working with elite athletes had been involved in facilitating the use of prohibited substances.

The report’s findings in relation to suspected criminal activity have been referred to the Australian Federal Police as well as state and territory police forces.

Sports Minister Kate Lundy this week introduced legislation to boost the powers of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) to allow the "full and unhindered investigation" of the issue.

"If persons of interest refuse to cooperate with ASADA investigations, they will be liable for civil penalties," Senator Lundy said in a statement.

The report's release comes as ASADA and the AFL's integrity unit look into claims Essendon gave unnamed supplements to players.

Topics: drugs-and-substance-abuse, doping-in-sports, government-and-politics, federal-government, law-crime-and-justice, sport, australia

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