Aussie NBA great Andrew Bogut makes shocking claim about what AFL stars get up to in pubs and clubs: ‘If you’re surprised, you believe Santa Claus is real’
- Andrew Bogut was typically blunt on Channel Nine’s Today programme
- Alleged AFL stars dabbling in illegal drugs are nothing new
- Comes as the AFL is rocked by an illegal drugs scandal
Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut has claimed that many AFL stars are involved in illegal drugs in pubs and nightclubs in Melbourne – and that no one should be shocked by accusations that the league has covered up positive results.
It follows the code being suspended on Tuesday after a whistleblowing doctor once employed by the Melbourne Demons revealed allegations of secret illegal drug testing that allowed footy stars to avoid detection on game days.
Others were reportedly told to fake injuries to avoid testing by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) representatives.
Federal MP Andrew Wilkie used his parliamentary privilege to drop the bombshell, with the AFL’s controversial three-strike policy on illegal drugs now firmly in the spotlight.
Speaking on Channel Nine’s Today program on Thursday morning, Bogut was typically blunt when questioned about the alleged anti-social habits of AFL stars.
Australian basketball great Andrew Bogut has made the shocking claim that many AFL stars are involved in illegal drugs in pubs and nightclubs in Melbourne
Bogut’s claim follows the AFL’s shock when a whistleblowing doctor revealed allegations of secret illegal drug testing that allowed football stars to avoid detection on game days
The AFL said it was ‘unapologetic’ about the steps taken to ensure players with illegal substances in their systems do not participate in matches (pictured, CEO Andrew Dillon)
Federal MP Andrew Wilkie used his parliamentary privilege to drop the illegal drugs in the AFL bombshell (stock image)
‘If you are surprised (by these revelations) You’d be shocked if Santa wasn’t real,” said the NBA championship winner with the Golden State Warriors.
“I mean, you know, anyone who’s gone out, anyone who’s gone out in Melbourne and been to nightclubs has seen firsthand what’s going on.
‘Making the connection.’
Bogut said he has no time for performance-enhancing drug practices in professional sports and believes those caught should be banned for life.
He added that modern players indulging in recreational drugs like cocaine “happens in some places,” where if you look hard enough, “you can see everything you want to see.”
The father-of-two wasn’t done yet, pointing to the federal government funding the AFL receives – and that as a result the ‘code doesn’t want star players to be pinged for drug tests’.
Bogut’s outspoken views come after the AFL stated it is “apologetic” about the steps taken to ensure players with illegal substances in their system do not participate in matches.
It provoked a furious response from respected AFL identities such as former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse, Port Adelaide chairman David Koch and Melbourne Demons great Garry Lyon.