For those who did not watch last nights NRL Footy Show, Jason Akermanis was one of the guests and he discussed the three strike AFL drug policy. I personally think this policy is excellent. The theory behind it is that the first strike is designed for the younger players who go back home and get blotto and make bad out of character decisions like taking cocaine. They get their warning and thats it. If that same person does it for a second time and is caught then there is a problem and they go into counselling and rehab. If they do it a third time then see you later, your a drugo try and get a run for the Roosters in the NRL.
"The AFL says it will expand its illicit drug testing regime even further in 2009, after 10 players failed tests last year.
Of the 10, two players failed two tests each, putting them among a list of seven players with two strikes. Under the AFL's three strike drug policy, players who fail three tests within four years will be named and face an 18 game ban and a $5,000 fine".
Of the 10, two players failed two tests each, putting them among a list of seven players with two strikes. Under the AFL's three strike drug policy, players who fail three tests within four years will be named and face an 18 game ban and a $5,000 fine".
It is obvious that recreational drugs are used by players of all sports in Australia and its funny that the NRL has been tainted by having a couple of players get done in the last few years and receive long bans where there have been 10 players in the AFL in the AFL tests positive in the last 12 months and it appears as though they haven't even missed a game.
As long as the drug isn't performance enhancing then I think the AFL is on the money. People make mistakes and shouldn't have the book thrown at them. If they do it again then take action. Opinions on the policy ? Should the NRL take the same steps ?
I think the policy is not tough enough. Three strikes is heaps for blokes who have the privelidge of these highly paid proffessional athletes. If they want to send a clear message they should have a one chance policy. Second time your out. Jack Gibson would say its fine to make a mistake but dont do it again. Look at the track record of Proffessional Athletes who get into trouble such as: Andrew Symonds, Todd Carney, Ben Cousins even John Daley. These guys are repeat offenders who will do the same thing over and over. All of whom should have been punted ages ago. The players in most sports dont fear the governing body, I applaud Cricket Australia because the players now know they are serious even if it was the 30th time Symonds had been in the shit.
ReplyDeleteJust my opinion.
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Agreed Boxhead. One chance, mistake, fair enough. Second time, see ya later
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