Australian Football Association of North America

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
 
Geelong president Frank Costa has urged the AFL to adopt a "two-strike" policy. He also wants clubs to be told of player substance abuse sooner than the current policy allows. He said clubs, charged with the welfare of players far from home, could not help unless they were informed. Costa used Cat player Steve Johnson as an example, saying the club, knowing of his alcohol problems, was able to provide counseling to help him overcome the problem. Johnson was suspended at the start of the season, but has since been a key contributor to the team's success and has remained on the wagon. Costa said that while the Geelong players were angry and disappointed at Seven's decision to air the story, he believes a boycott is wrong.

Other club officials and coaches have also voiced their concerns that a club is not informed until a second positive test and of not naming names until a third positive test. Outgoing Essendon Coach Kevin Sheedy and Sydney Coach Paul Roos agree with Costa. Roos said AFL players had to accept that they are going to come under more scrutiny and be held to higher standards and if they couldn't accept that, they should not be playing. Brisbane Coach Leigh Matthews lauded the AFL's commitment to fighting drug use. All three have no problem with their players not speaking to Channel Seven reporters, with Roos agreeing with the players that Seven was wrong in what they did.

Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun