Drugs in sport
Max Gawn defends Demons culture after Smith’s positive drug test
Melbourne are facing scrutiny after forward Joel Smith returned a positive drug test, but Max Gawn is confident the club will overcome the adversity.
- by Peter Ryan
Latest
Opinion
AFL 2023
Entrecote, Oliver, and now Smith: Do the Demons have a culture problem?
Whatever the fate of Joel Smith, and whatever an examination of the evidence in his case brings, the Demons should not avoid an examination of themselves.
- by Jake Niall
Explainer
Sporting rules
How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?
Under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy, Melbourne’s Joel Smith would record a first strike, receive a suspended fine and counselling. But here’s what happens under the league’s anti-doping code.
- by Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik
Exclusive
NRL 2023
‘I hated my life’: Bronson Xerri tells all as four-year drug ban comes to an end
After four years in the wilderness, the one-time NRL young gun reveals the demons that have haunted him since making the biggest mistake of his life.
- by Michael Chammas
Halep to appeal four-year ban for anti-doping rule violations
The former Wimbledon and French Open champion has been provisionally suspended since October for testing positive to a banned blood booster at last year’s US Open.
- by Rohith Nair
Former Man United star, World Cup winner Pogba faces lengthy ban after positive test
France and Juventus superstar Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended and could face a four-year ban following a positive test for testosterone.
- by Tommy Lund and Rohith Nair
The man planning an Olympic-style event where doping is allowed
The UK-based Australian says 500 athletes are ready to take part in competition where doping is allowed, but the AOC says the idea can’t be taken seriously.
- by Latika Bourke
Experts amazed two WADA labs got it so wrong on Bol
Scientists say Peter Bol was lucky the same World Anti-Doping Agency laboratories that got it wrong with his first doping sample did not test his second one.
- by Michael Gleeson
Editorial
For subscribers
Bol saga highlights need for action to reshape sports integrity
The treatment of the athletics star has brought the system’s shortcomings into sharp focus, and the government now needs to act.
- The Age's View
Australian road cyclist suspended over alleged doping violation
Rob Stannard has denied using a prohibited substance but will miss the world championships in Glasgow after learning that he had been provisionally suspended.
- by Ian Chadband
Why wrongly accused Peter Bol deserves an apology
Bol has been cleared, but his accusers have not. There are now a litany of questions federal sports minister Anika Wells must answer.
- by Michael Gleeson