Dank is excited to be expanding his involvement with sport - his work in his clinics is humming along and despite all that has happened he is happy that sporting avenues are still available to him. Dank is going to appoint Lachlan Penfold as his high performance manager for the event - Penfold held that position with the Roosters when they won the premiership last year but his deal was not renewed. The IPL clearly has little regard for ASADA's ongoing investigation - which is now being criticised even by those who have been firmly in their corner. Having come face-to-face with the man heading up ASADA's investigation in the offices of the ACC, Paul Simonsson struck me as a competent and thorough operator. The expansive files I caught sight of and the thoughtfully constructed questioning procedure indicates they know what procedures they need to go through - and they are long and slow. That they admitted in front of me and Darren ''The Gazelle'' Hibbert that they needed to know more about peptides and what they were was either a major flaw or a tactic to try to make ''The Gazelle'' feel smart and at ease when talking with them.

But ASADA's actions - or lack thereof so far - give them the Keystone Cops reputation they have. Sandor Earl has been left in no man's land for months - despite rolling over after we told you he was going off reservation to inject peptides. Instead of acting swiftly and showing other players who may want to roll that they will be ''rewarded'' for co-operating, Earl has been hung out to dry. This week ASADA turned up at the offices of the new compounding pharmacist that Dank is using - they wanted access to documents, which they claimed they had the right to have. They already have text messages of Dank's - how they got hold of those messages is sure to be the subject of further investigation. AFL told to butt out The AFL has made an attempt to stop Stephen Dank speaking at a football club launch later this month, but appears to have been rebuked in the strongest way. It has also threatened to fine the Riddells Creek Football Club. Writing back to the AFL - Jason Allen, the club's president, gave the governing body a stern no. ''I have considered your recommendation that we reconsider our decision to have Stephen Dank appear as a guest speaker for this function. Likewise I have taken into account your concerns that he is still under investigation by ASADA and as a result you feel any comments he may make may bring the game into disrepute, and as a result our Club (RFNC) maybe be penalised under section 7.1.1 DISCIPLINE, SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION OF MEMBERS of the RDFNL Constitution.

''Unfortunately, and with all due respect at this stage, I do not share your concerns and in fact to the contrary, I believe that your attempt and any similar attempts by the AFL to silence or suppress anyone that speaks against them in defence of themselves, to be a restriction to the virtue of freedom of speech and the notion that you are innocent until proved guilty which is awarded to all Australians. ''The RFNC does not represent Stephen Dank nor his views on what he may or may not say or write, however, we do respect his right to express his side of this story as a free and independent Australian. If you believe that you have the authority to silence Mr Dank, then you need to exercise this right against Mr Dank. ''Furthermore, as you are aware I did offer the AFL the opportunity to make an appearance on the day in lieu of Mr Dank, which I considered to be a reasonable alternate solution to this situation and considered this to be a more than generous offer on my behalf. Had this been accepted or acted upon at the time, it would have eliminated us having to have this discussion at this late stage. This offer was rejected by the AFL at their own discretion and free will. I have subsequently sold a number of tickets to this event having advertised Stephen Dank as being a part of the day. ''In summary, I thank you for expressing your concerns, however, unless the RDFNL or the AFL can provide sound quantifiable legal cause to the contrary, I will continue to allow Stephen Dank to speak at this function and will not hesitate to legally escalate this issue should I feel either myself or any of the officers of the RFNC are being unduly treated, impeded, threatened, intimidated or penalised for doing so.''

This column has mentioned in the past that Shane Flanagan was in talks with the Sharks to get a long-term deal at the club - but those talks stopped when he was stood down because of the ASADA investigation. His agent, Wayne Beavis, has not taken the talks further - and won't until Flanagan's position is cleared up. There is no doubt that Flanagan wants to stay, and the club has backed him through the drama - and that's a sure indication they want him to stay. What needs to be made clear is that the club approached Flanagan about an extension and upgrade - not the other way around. Silent theme The new marketing team at the NRL think the best way to promote the game is not to have a theme commercial. Or a song. They must believe the words sprouted by chief executive Dave Smith that the NRL is on track to conquer the world because there is now cash in their coffers as a result of the TV deal. AFL is still the dominant code nationally - and failing to have a theme song and a general commercial is really tough to understand. The NRL did get the launch right - the room wasn't dripping with class, but the idea of including members was a great one. And Smith - he of Benji Barba fame - really nailed his speech. He has come a long way in that area. Nine still in fight The Olympics are not the cash cow they once were for the TV networks - but reports this week that the Nine Network is out of the running seem a little hard to swallow. A decision on who has the Games will come through by the end of April and with Jeffrey Browne heading up the negotiations for Nine, it would be a surprise to see them fold so close to a final decision. The issue is that Nine won't pay silly money to capture the next three Games.

Pappas praise for Bell Well-known accountant Anthony Bell has resigned from his post on the Bunnies' board because of a serious illness in his family. Bell and I spoke during the week and he told me he had resigned early last month because the family illness would prevent him from discharging his board duties thoroughly. Souths chairman Nick Pappas dropped me a note this week in praise of Bell's time in the role. ''Anthony was a most generous and active contributor to our club while on our board and I'm sure he will continue to be so,'' Pappas said. ''From the board's perspective, I am certain that he would be most welcome to return.'' This column wishes Bell and his family well. Packer baulks at price Our item last week about James Packer wanting in at the Bunnies at the expense of Peter Holmes a Court was confirmed in an interview Packer did with the Nine Network during the week. The asking price seems to be a sticking point - as does Holmes a Court's desire to shed his share. Merrin makes move

We told you last week about the blossoming relationship between Trent Merrin and pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons. Well, it's not the only change in Merrin's life - he has switched management groups and linked with the powerful Wayne Beavis stable. Hopeful for Hackett Loading The Grant Hackett story, like that of Ian Thorpe, is super sad - the Hackett one sadly affects his kids. For some time Hackett has been a troubled soul. Before his Stilnox issues became public I had discussions with him on the speculation about his use of the prescription drug. Even then he was in denial. Through those discussions and over long phone chats and even sharing meals with friends it was hard to detect a person with a major issue with the sleeping pills. He was bright, switched-on and good company. Sure he loved a night out - a big night out, but those who were in his company on most occasions say his behaviour was good. The infamous Logies evening was the first indication he had an issue. His behaviour towards the partners of some of Australia's most influential people was there for plenty to see. Every time I've spoken with Hackett, the principle concern he's had is the time he has with his kids - his access to them and their ongoing welfare. He was gutted by a report that said he had injured one of his kids - that was the low point in a period of many lows. He fell victim to misreporting on occasion. In recent times it has been reported he was in a relationship with a young model - again those close to him say that's just not the case. Hackett is concentrating on his health and then his kids. Let's hope he is able to take care of both. Danny Weidler is a Channel 9 reporter