ESSENDON chairman Paul Little has revealed the club chose to accept a negotiated penalty for its supplements program, rather than take its fight with the AFL to court, because the risk of losing was too great.
On Tuesday, the Bombers were disqualified from this year's finals series, fined $2 million, and stripped of draft picks in 2013 and 2014, while senior coach James Hird was suspended for 12 months.
The penalties arose from a charge under rule 1.6, for 'engaging in conduct that is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute'.
"When the AFL released their charges, they targeted a breach of rule 1.6, which is based on 'conduct unbecoming', and a very difficult defence is needed for that particular charge," Little said at Saturday night's pre-game function before Essendon played Richmond at the MCG.
"Our legal experts concluded that it would be a risky legal fight, and had we fought and lost, the consequences could have been to virtually wipe out the Essendon Football Club for next year.
"This was a risk that I wasn't prepared to take."
Little also fired a broadside at the AFL over its alleged leaks to the media during the confidential ASADA investigation, and specifically to Fairfax journalist Caroline Wilson.
"In relation to the filling of the coaching position for 2014, I don't have any news to share with you as yet," Little said.
"But I promise that when we do, we will aim to share it with our members first, assuming of course that the AFL hasn't already leaked it to Caroline Wilson."
Little acknowledged that the supplements program had been "inappropriate and ill-advised", and apologised to Bombers fans, members, sponsors, players and families of players.
"The club will emerge from 2013 as a wiser, more professionally run football club," he said.
"From this day on, we will work to ensure we are stronger and more transparent, so that these mistakes can never happen again."
Hird, who has been guaranteed a return to his role when his suspension ends just before next year's finals, was praised by Little.
"James has shown incredible resolve under enormous pressure, in extremely tough circumstances this year," Little said.
"There is no question he is an extremely tough person.
"The decision to accept a 12-month suspension was clearly in the best interests of the Essendon Football Club.
"He has also shown remorse for his mistakes, and taken responsibility for his role in the program last year.
"No one wanted it to end like this, but I know he will come back a better coach, and most importantly, a better person."
Little also announced some good news for the beleaguered club, with major sponsors Antler and Yakult both signing new deals.
