Stories

The AFL Players’ Association has issued the following statement attributed to AFLPA CEO, James Gallagher:

“The AFLPA acknowledges the outcome of the AFL’s investigation into Lachie Cowan being admitted to hospital on Sunday morning. 

“Lachie’s been remorseful during the investigative process and has taken responsibility for his actions.

“We’ve had many discussions with the AFL, Carlton, Lachie and his player manager in recent days. Lachie understands the behavioural expectations as an elite athlete and our focus has been his health and wellbeing. 

“This has become a public matter because private information regarding players seeking medical treatment has been shared. That is unacceptable. 

“We don’t want players using illicit substances and that is why the Illicit Drugs Policy (IDP) is so important, with its overarching purpose to change behaviour and minimise harm. However, it is contrary to this health and wellbeing model to sanction players after they have sought medical treatment, particularly in an emergency. As an industry, we need to encourage help-seeking behaviour, not penalise or disincentivise it. 

“This issue is not simple. It involves complexities with mental health, social and cultural environments, societal norms and influences, and public policy. The IDP is based on expert advice to balance these complexities with the health and wellbeing of players at the forefront. It is a policy entered into voluntarily by players in a commitment to their health and behavioural change and in addition to the anti-doping code which is separate and wholly punitive. 

“The implementation of the new IDP, agreed in-principle between the AFLPA and AFL earlier this year, continues to be worked through by both parties, which is based on advice from experts in dealing with a complicated and widespread community challenge.”