Charles says no place in football for steroid use, By: Roger Vaughan
August 14, 2006
JUSTIN Charles, the first AFL player to be suspended for using steroids, is adamant there is no place in the game for banned substances but sympathises with Richmond forward Nathan Brown.
Charles, the former Western Bulldogs and Richmond ruckman, received a 16-game suspension in 1997 after he tested positive to the steroid boldenone.
On Saturday night, Brown invited plenty of unwanted publicity when he said AFL players should be permitted to take banned substances under strictly controlled circumstances to help them recover from long-term injuries.
Richmond coach Terry Wallace, club doctor Greg Hickey and the AFL have all distanced themselves from Brown's controversial comments.
Brown himself appears to be wishing he had kept his opinions to himself in light of the storm they have caused.
According to Triple M commentator Jason Dunstall, the Richmond forward sent him a text message yesterday saying he was on eBay looking for a new brain.
Brown received a horrific leg injury midway through last season when both bones in his lower leg were broken, and is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Charles said he could understand why Brown made his comments.
"As a player, of course you think things like that — you think 'why wouldn't we be allowed to take something to get back as quickly as possible'," Charles told Triple M.
"I thought that way too, in hindsight … there are many paths that need to be looked at before that path (is) taken.
"I absolutely see through Nathan Brown's eyes and certainly sympathise and empathise with what he's going through. You do think that and it's not outrageous to think that," he said.
But when asked if there was any place in the AFL for steroids and other performance-enhancing substances, Charles replied: "I don't think so, no."
Charles added that the growing professionalism of sport made players more vulnerable to the temptation of taking banned substances.
"The real issue is that the participants involved, with such big money at stake, they feel they're needing to protect that income," he said.
"They're desperate to do anything to maintain their performance. The value systems need to be looked at and how we treat our athletes in that regard, because they're feeling they need to do all things legal and illegal."
An AFL spokesman said yesterday: "We totally disagree with (Brown's) comments and don't endorse them in any way."
