Former Sharks medico hits back at claims made against his name.
Controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank has launched defamation action against the Cronulla Sharks and Channel 9 over claims he injected NRL players with illegal drugs.
Dank’s legal team submitted claims against the rugby league club and broadcaster with the New South Wales Supreme Court this week.
Former Sharks chairman Damien Irvine was accused of making false statements “to the effect that he injected Sharks players with horse drugs” before quitting his position due to the public and fan’s backlash.
The head of Dank’s legal team Raed Rahal, believes the Cronulla club should be responsible for Irvine’s comments.
Dank has previously denied any wrongdoing during his brief time with Cronulla, which has become a central theme to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Athuroity’s (ASADA) investigation into illegal drugs in sport.
“I have done nothing illegal with any club in the NRL,” Dank told News Limited.
“All this (doping allegations) upsets me deeply because it is not true. I am not a doping scientist or a cheat.”
Dank’s lawyers last month announced he would launch a $10m defamation suit against various media outlets in the wake of the scandal.
“The claims arise out of false allegations in the media that the plaintiffs have sold illegal drugs to sportspeople,” a statement said.
The defamation case may not be the last legal action taken by either side as part of the ASADA investigation, with some predicting it may drag on for between six to 12 months.
Despite the off-field distractions the Sharks have begun their NRL season well and currently sit in sixth place with two wins from their three games.
In round four they take on Shire rivals the St George Illawarra Dragons who have struggled thus far this year, with another loss set to ramp up the pressure on coach Steve Price even more.
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