Live coverage of day two of the Federal Court hearing into the legality of ASADA's inquiry into Essendon's controversial supplements program. Suspended Essendon coach James Hird will provide more evidence today.
- Guide: At a glance
- Caroline Wilson on day one
- Greg Baum on day one
- Bombers could "be destroyed" claim
- Hird signed agreement "under duress"
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Matt Murnane reports: Tim Watson has questioned whether anti-doping body ASADA would launch a second investigation into the Bombers' supplements program and re-issue "show-cause" notices to 34 players if they do not win the Federal Court case that began on Monday.
Jon Pierik and Adam Cooper report on the mysterious "secret transcript" which emerged on day one:
"A solicitor for Essendon made a secret recording of an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority official addressing Bombers players after the football club had 'begged' the anti-doping body to speak to the players, the Federal Court has heard."
The Bombers could be "destroyed" if their Federal Court action is unsuccessful, says lawyer.
Greg Baum delivers his verdict on day one of the hearing, saying it is appropriate that the Federal Court building also houses the Family Court, as the "rawness and soreness" the case immediately exposed "bore all the characteristics of a family break-up".
Jon Pierik and Adam Cooper provide the main news report on yesterday's hearing, at which James Hird gave evidence.
"Suspended Essendon coach James Hird has revealed in court he signed a deed of settlement with the AFL last year after charges were laid over the Bombers' controversial supplements program under 'duress, threats and inducements'."
Hirdy feeds off a hospital handpass. #ASADA http://t.co/MjG1IMyK11 via @theage — lawrence money (@lozzacash) August 11, 2014
Caroline Wilson believes it is clear from his testimony that James Hird does not believe he was responsible for his football department or his players.
"Nor did Hird believe the club was genuinely self-reporting when it fronted the public in February last year and admitted its nasty and dangerous problem."
Essendon great, father of Essendon captain Jobe Watson and media commentator Tim Watson has told SEN radio that James Hird was "not in denial" about the Bombers' ill-fated supplements program.
"He is just telling it as he believes it to be," the old teammate of Hird said this morning.
Good morning one and all, and welcome live to the Federal Court for day two of the hearing.
James Hird is due up again in the witness box when proceedings get underway from 10AM.
James Hird and wife Tania are back in the court room. Greeting Paul Little and the @EssendonFC camp. Hird's have resumed same seats as Mon. — JonPierik (@Pierik_AgeSport) August 11, 2014
Hird set to be asked whether he spent last night reading the old media reports ASADA and judge wanted him to @theagesport @SundayAgeSport — JonPierik (@Pierik_AgeSport) August 11, 2014
The court is now in session.
