I think the penalties are harsh. Incredibly harsh. And will/would have far reaching effects that no workplace should be able to impose.
However, leniency would provide a loophole. I guess it's one of the painful truths associated with professional sport.
I agree 100%. If it was the AFL running the investigation they would probably be able to emphasise the 'lone gunman' aspect and probably issue a fine and maybe some minor draft penalties.
However since it there is no wriggle-room with the ASADA penalties it seems that there are gonna be some players banned. Because to do otherwise would allow all sorts of cheats to use the 'I didn't know what I was taking' excuse (even if it's true!).
And once we see playes get banned the AFL will be forced to bring out the big stick of 'bringing the game into disrepute' and hit Essendon with sanctions.
The only way Essendon will be able to get out of this is if somehow there is not enough evidence to charge anyone. But the expressions at the original press conference seem to suggest they knew they were screwed.
Like many, I do feel for the innocent fans caught up with this. Especially if it was done without club sanction.