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JOBE Watson has broken his silence, saying the suspended Bombers still believe they are innocent despite the Court of Arbitration for Sport's "devastating" verdict.
Watson and 11 current Bombers teammates have been rubbed out until November and the Dons skipper said they're struggling to come to terms with the decision.
"The decision announced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to uphold WADA’s appeal is devastating," Watson said in a statement on behalf of the 34 current and former players.
"We are struggling to come to terms with this decision, and feel it does not support the players’ firm belief that we are innocent.
"Our legal team is conducting a thorough review of the decision and will explore any avenues available to us."
Watson made no mention of his 2012 Brownlow Medal, which will be reviewed at the next AFL Commission meeting in February, or his playing future – which has come under question since CAS' decision.
But, speaking on behalf of his teammates, the 30-year-old thanked the players' families and Bombers fans for their support since the supplements scandal erupted in February 2013.
Dons hit out at 'manifestly unfair' verdict
"The players would like to thank our families, our friends, our members and supporters for their unwavering support," Watson said.
"We would also like to thank the AFLPA for their ongoing support throughout the last three years.
"We will not be making any further comment and ask the media to please respect our privacy during this extremely challenging period."
