AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou says James Hird is innocent until proven guilty. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Herald Sun
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has refuted reports he called for James Hird to step aside from his position as coach of Essendon while the ASADA investigation continued.
Speaking at a sponsors lunch for the GWS Giants in Sydney today, Demetriou declared Hird is doing the right thing by not commenting about his conduct in the media.
"What I said was James Hird when he was going through his thought process I'm sure that (stepping aside from his coaching job) is one of the things he's considering, that's exactly what I said,'' Demetriou said.
"I didn't call for him to stand down at all.
"I don't think he should at all put it (his case) in the public forum, he's absolutely doing the most appropriate that he's responding to the investigation in accordance with the process of the investigation."
Today, Bombers high performance manager Dean Robinson - known as "The Weapon" - spoke for the first time about the toll of the scandal.
Robinson has been stood down pending investigations by ASADA, the AFL and the club.
"(My) wife's been in hospital, she's been in hospital for two-and-a-half weeks, so it's taken its toll," he told Channel 7.
"These things are stressful but we as a family have come together so we'll keep getting through this and stick strong.
"At the end of the day the truth will come out."
Fitness boss Dean Robinson with senior coach James Hird. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun
Demetriou also said Hird and the Essendon Football Club are entitled to be viewed as innocent until proven guilty.
"He's entitled to go through that process,'' Demetriou said.
"I don't get it when a media outlet says when they put 17 questions and he refuses to answer them why they think he should answer those questions from the media.
"They're not investigating him, he's being investigated by ASADA.
"He is entitled as an individual to the presumption of innocence, something we should all hold very sacred in this country.
The strain shows on James Hird emerges from a meeting at Windy Hill. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun
While the Essendon coach may be suffering badly in the court of public opinion, the AFL CEO said it had no bearing on the ASADA investigation.
"I don't think the court of public opinion matters at all in this instance because it's a serious issue,'' Demetriou said.
"He's being investigated as part of the Essendon Football Club and he, like several other people and the players included, will be interviewed by ASADA and they may be interviewed again.
"But we have to let that process run it's course so we are all better informed.
"I am no more informed about the progress, I haven't even had a briefing about what happened in his interview the other day.
"ASADA are leading the investigation it'll take time I know people want it done expeditiously, but these things do take time."
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