Essendon have confirmed 34 of their past and present players have been found guilty of doping and have been suspended for the entire 2016 seasons.
Twelve current Essendon players, including captain Jobe Watson, and five former players now at rival clubs have been found guilty of using banned substance Thymosin beta-4 during the 2012 season, news.com.au reports.
“Regrettably we can confirm the Court of Arbitration for Sport has found 34 past and present players guilty of committing an anti-doping rule violation,” chairman Lindsay Tanner said in a statement.
“As a result, the players – including 12 currently listed with Essendon – have been suspended for the 2016 season. The Club is currently digesting the decision and we will provide a further update later today.”
The 12 banned current Essendon players are reportedly Watson, Dyson Heppel, Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker, Brent Stanton, Michael Hibberd, David Myers, Tayte Pears, Ben Howlett, Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking and Travis Colyer.
Jake Carlisle (St Kilda), Jake Melksham (Melbourne), Paddy Ryder (Port Adelaide), Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide) and Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs) have been identified as the five players at rival clubs that were on Essendon’s playing roster for the 2012 season.
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