In all of this saga, there has been very little hard evidence presented to reach a "beyond reasonable doubt" verdict for ASADA. Now I know WADA does not require this for infractions (it has to be somewhere between this and balance of probabilities) but I think there is one piece of evidence that may help either nail the Bombers or at least, help set them free.
The now infamous interview by Nick McKenzie of Stephen Dank, in which he said he gave the players Thymosin beta 4, had one very important line redacted. The dosage of the drug given...
NM: How often were Essendon players taking Thymosin Beta 4?
SD: [Explains the dosage level but asks that this be not published].
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-science-of-stephen-dank-20130823-2shhd.html#ixzz3E1mJyqzP
Now it would be highly unlikely, but still possible, that Dank made a slip up on the drug name. However, if he gave the dosages of Thymosin beta 4 he could not possibly have made a slip of the tongue there. Conversely, if the dosages mentioned to Nick McKenzie were consistent with Thymomodulin then that would be the evidence that all Bomber fans would be looking for to throw enough doubt as to make the ADVRP question the strength of the evidence.
For Thymomodulin the suggested dosage regime is: 10-20 mg/day for 30 days followed by 20-50 mg/week.
For Thymosin beta 4 the suggested dosage regime is: One vial (10mg) per suncutaneous injection per week for 6 consecutive weeks, then 10mg per month.
So the dosage is very different for both drugs.
Now ASADA have the tapes from the interview. It would be very interesting to know what the dosing regime is that was told to Nick McKenzie. Maybe it is "the smoking gun" that ASADA were looking for....
The now infamous interview by Nick McKenzie of Stephen Dank, in which he said he gave the players Thymosin beta 4, had one very important line redacted. The dosage of the drug given...
NM: How often were Essendon players taking Thymosin Beta 4?
SD: [Explains the dosage level but asks that this be not published].
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-science-of-stephen-dank-20130823-2shhd.html#ixzz3E1mJyqzP
Now it would be highly unlikely, but still possible, that Dank made a slip up on the drug name. However, if he gave the dosages of Thymosin beta 4 he could not possibly have made a slip of the tongue there. Conversely, if the dosages mentioned to Nick McKenzie were consistent with Thymomodulin then that would be the evidence that all Bomber fans would be looking for to throw enough doubt as to make the ADVRP question the strength of the evidence.
For Thymomodulin the suggested dosage regime is: 10-20 mg/day for 30 days followed by 20-50 mg/week.
For Thymosin beta 4 the suggested dosage regime is: One vial (10mg) per suncutaneous injection per week for 6 consecutive weeks, then 10mg per month.
So the dosage is very different for both drugs.
Now ASADA have the tapes from the interview. It would be very interesting to know what the dosing regime is that was told to Nick McKenzie. Maybe it is "the smoking gun" that ASADA were looking for....