Craig O’Donoghue: Taking illicit drugs is totally unacceptable so why won’t the AFL say those words?

There was one gigantic omission from the AFL’s media release surrounding Bailey Smith’s two-week suspension for getting caught in public taking cocaine. It’s the type of strong and powerful sentence which has been used whenever the AFL has commented or handed down sanctions on other important social issues. Where was the declaration that taking illicit drugs is totally and utterly unacceptable? Instead of being really strong, the AFL said: “The AFL wishes to reiterate that AFL Players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances, and have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their professional careers to uphold community expectations.” Just 21 hours earlier, the league made a much stronger statement about the fight between Melbourne pair Steven May and Jake Melksham. “The AFL wishes to reinforce that no matter the situation or circumstances, violence is never the answer.” When Adelaide’s Taylor Walker was banned for racial vilification, the statement made it perfectly clear where the league stood on that issue: “Racist actions and behaviours are inexcusable. The AFL strongly condemns the racial vilification in our football community including our players, staff and their families across all levels of our game.” When former Sydney Swan Elijah Taylor was kicked out of the game for assaulting his girlfriend, we were left in no doubt about the league’s thoughts on violence against women. “Violence against women in any form is abhorrent and we strongly condemn it.” Those statements were powerful. They sent a message to the community about what really matters. They didn’t tip-toe around and say committing racism and violence fall below community expectations. They stood for something. They led the way - just as Michael Long and Nicky Winmar’s fight against racism in 1990s helped to change society. The AFL’s voice is powerful. But when it comes to drugs, the words which are truly needed and have the potential to set a genuine example for the community are watered down. This would be a statement - “It is totally unacceptable to take illicit drugs Drugs are dangerous, illegal and can ruin your life. We urge all players and members of the community to say no to drugs. Walk away.” Players have short memories. Bailey Smith only copped two weeks. Willie Rioli spent two years out of the game for trying to mask his marijuana use. Josh Thomas and Lachlan Keefe received a two year suspension after taking an illicit drug that had laced with performance enhancing drug Clenbuterol. Sam Murray and Brayden Crossley never played another AFL game after cocaine was detected in their match day tests. Ben Cousins lost his career and reputation after becoming addicted to illicit drugs. Sam Fisher is facing serious drug trafficking charges. A drug affected Justin Murphy was jailed for burning his ex-girlfriend’s finger off with a blow torch. The AFL’s illicit drugs policy has holes in it. Smith was punished because his drug became public. If he’d simply tested positive, his conduct would have remained confidential. The AFL and Players’ Association want to educate instead of penalise, yet education hasn’t stopped the drug scourge, If anyone in the AFL community wants to be a real leader, they need stand up and tell the nation what everyone really needs to hear. It is totally unacceptable for any AFL player or member of society to take illicit drugs.