It’s not over yet, warns Watson
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/es...s/news-story/6f0f16a2758358c64dfd080f1a005088
BANNED Essendon players are threatening to sue the AFL and Essendon unless they are paid up to $50 million compensation, as Bombers captain Jobe Watson says the players would explore all avenues.
“The decision announced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to uphold WADA’s appeal is devastating,” Watson said in a statement.
“Our legal team is conducting a thorough review of the decision and will explore any avenues available to us.”
Agents and the AFL Players Association met later to thrash out a plan to push for payments for the 34 players.
Veteran agent Peter Jess called for the league to set up a welfare fund, particularly for the players no longer on the Bombers’ list.
He said the players could otherwise sue the AFL, the AFL Commission and Essendon for $30-40 million for breaching their duty of care.
“However, we are still doing the maths on that, so it could be as high as $50 million.
“The psychological impact from all this has been enormous, and now it’s moved to the financial impact,” Jess said.
“The 12 blokes who are still there get paid. The 17 who are not on a list don’t get anything and are in limbo.
“We need to act as a collective and make sure we understand the value. I would rather settle than (sue),” he said.
“The players are all very supportive of each other, but there’s still this mix of anger and confusion,” Jess said.
In a statement on behalf of the Essendon 34, Watson said the players’ legal team would conduct a “thorough review”.
“We are struggling to come to terms with this decision, and feel it does not support the players’ firm belief that we are innocent,” Watson said.
“The players would like to thank our families, our friends, our members and supporters for their unwavering support.”
Nathan Lovett-Murray declared online yesterday that the players would “fight this all the way” to clear their names.
He moved his family to Shepparton three weeks ago to be Aboriginal team Rumbalara’s playing coach — a job now out of bounds.
“To my Essendon team mates: we are not drug cheats,” he posted on Instagram.
“Do not give up the fight.”
Lovett-Murray’s father, Gary, said he had encouraged the 145-game player to pursue all legal options.
“He’s got over the shock, I suppose. He has now got to get methodical and professional and do what he’s got to do.
“He’s set himself on a path to coach in the AFL, so the first question is, does that stop?
“He’s getting fees from coaching and playing at the Rumbalara football club.