THE AFL has been slammed for its silence on James Hird’s drug overdose.

The league declined to comment on Hird’s hospitalisation despite on Saturday being accused of years of bullying by the ex-Essendon coach’s former lawyer.

The AFL said that it “would not be commenting publicly” on Hird.

Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has sensationally lambasted the league for being “notably absent” in the days following the former Bombers coach and 1996 Brownlow medallist’s hospitalisation, claiming executives are too “busy”.

Round 18

DARKEST HOUR: HIRD BULLIED, VERBALLY ASSAULTED

FALLEN HERO: HOW IT ALL WENT WRONG FOR HIRD

FRIENDS’ CONCERN: JAMES’ HEALTH IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN

He also hinted that he had been allegedly blocked from a media role by the AFL.

“I like the way the AFL have come out with a statement of support and concern for James — NOT! Notably absent,” Thomas wrote yesterday.

“Time for the AFL to provide some very factual, truthful ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers to some simple questions that remain unanswered. Brand is secondary.

James Hird coaching Essendon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

“There is one reason AFL has not commented, one reason alone; it’s called hypocrisy. They are perplexed about supporting a guy they nailed to cross.

“Polo, couta boat racing, wineries, horse racing, cricket, tennis — there is plenty on to keep the execs busy.”

Hird remains under care in a specialist mental health treatment centre after being treated for a drug overdose at the Cabrini Hospital on Wednesday night.

Former Essendon chairman Paul Little said that he had privately contacted Hird, but did not wish to make further comment.

There is 1 reason AFL has not commented, 1 reason alone; its called hypocrisy. They r perplexed about supporting a guy they nailed to cross — Grant Thomas (@Thomo_Grant) January 6, 2017

Former teammates have also indicated that they will not be speaking publicly about Hird.

Thomas, who coached the Saints between 2001 and the end of 2006, has not held a role at a club since he left St Kilda but has featured in various media roles.

He was employed by sports radio station SEN in 2009 but parted ways with the station in May of that year.

It was suggested at the time that he was let go due to his criticisms of the league.

The Herald Sun reported on Saturday that Hird had been told incorrectly — according to the AFL and SEN — that the league had blocked a move by the radio station to recruit him for its AFL broadcasts.

I like the way the AFL have come out with a statement of support and concern for James - NOT! Notably absent. Can we get some media at polo? — Grant Thomas (@Thomo_Grant) January 6, 2017

James Hird remains under care in a specialist mental health treatment centre. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

“AFL flatly deny any involvement in blocking Hird’s return to media at SEN,” Thomas wrote.

“I seem to remember that exact scenario happening before?.”

Hird’s former lawyer Steven Amendola declared that the former Essendon coach has been a victim of years of bullying at the hands of the league.

“They (the AFL) have relentlessly trashed his reputation and misrepresented the facts and the context,” Amendola told yesterday’s Herald Sun.

“I hope they are satisfied now, but it should hardly be surprising — even for someone with mental health and strong as James’s — that this has happened.

“They have to bear some responsibility for it.”

Polo, couta boat racing, wineries, horse racing, cricket, tennis - there is plenty on to keep the execs busy. — Grant Thomas (@Thomo_Grant) January 6, 2017

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