Essendon drug saga: Reaction to CAS guilty verdict

BOMBERS legend Matthew Lloyd says he feels “sick to his stomach” after the CAS verdict, while the first of the “Essendon 34” has spoken out in anger.

ESSENDON legend Matthew Lloyd says he feels “sick to his stomach” after the Court of Arbitration for Sport found 34 past and present Bombers players guilty of committing an anti-doping violation.

They will serve a 12-month suspension, meaning they miss the entire 2016 season, which Lloyd believes could end the career of captain Jobe Watson.

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“Watson, 30 years of age, gone for a year. Do we ever see him play again?” Lloyd asked on 3AW.

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It was a statement echoed by sports lawyer Justin Quill, who suggested on ABC Breakfast that the verdict “will probably end careers”.

Nathan Lovett-Murray, one of the 34 players implicated, called the decision “bullsh*t” on Instagram and said “we will appeal it if we can”.

Former St Kilda player Ahmed Saad, who served an 18-month suspension after testing positive to a banned substance in 2013, said he “wouldn’t wish (this) being banned upon anybody”.

NBA basketballer and Essendon supporter Andrew Bogut described the three-year ordeal as “easily the most poorly handled (and) prolonged scandal of any pro sport ever” in a tweet.

Here’s how social media reacted to the verdict.

What a sad case it is when players can't trust the experts in their field to get them fit for a season. Some harsh crew on Twitter.

— Matthew Richardson (@mattricho0) January 12, 2016

The role Gus played in helping turn the culture of @PAFC around since arriving is immeasurable, he doesn't deserve this. None of them do

— Kane Cornes (@kanecornes) January 11, 2016

Feeling for my brother today.

— Jake Stringer (@JStringer9) January 12, 2016

Wow. Heart goes out to Essendon players! U r 'conditioned' to trust ur coaches & club. Hired to 'comply' to directives. They arent at fault!

— Karmichael (@karmichaelhunt) January 11, 2016

Feeling for the 34 Essendon players. In particular jake who the club and the boys are all behind @jcarlisle22

— Maverick Weller (@Maverickweller) January 12, 2016

Feel horrible for the boys that have been told they can no longer attend workplace, play their sport or earn a living.We've let them down

— Josh Jenkins (@JoshJenkins24) January 12, 2016

Whilst I feel for members & fans of #EFC every athlete knows that you & you alone are responsible for what is in your system. 👎🏻

— Giaan Rooney (@GiaanRooney) January 12, 2016

I feel sorry for the @EssendonFC players & for the players at other clubs & leagues. I wouldn't wish being banned upon anybody #staypositive

— Ahmed Saad (@ahmedsaad23) January 11, 2016

Positive for @AFL : Easily the most poorly handled prolonged scandal of any pro sport EVER! (Or so it seems) So at least there is that......

— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) January 11, 2016

What a joke...

— Michael Ross (@MikeRoss29) January 11, 2016

essendon had made contingency plans, which were addressed yesterday with the players, but they did not expect this...

— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) January 11, 2016

No words. Those players have had careers, no, lives, upended. If you're celebrating this, go away.

— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) January 11, 2016

Those poor players though. Their club failed them and I believe they are getting punished the hardest out of all parties.

— Ayden Cutajar (@AydenCutajar) January 11, 2016

Ok. Now it's unparalleled as the biggest story in Australian sporting history. #Essendon

— Andy Maher (@MGMaherSEN) January 11, 2016

And clearly Jobe's Brownlow is in serious jeopardy...

— Mark Robinson (@Robbo_heraldsun) January 11, 2016

It's only right to feel for the players, but you can't say this is a bad outcome for the game. This going under the rug would be much worse.

— Scott (@RestingPlayers) January 11, 2016

The only party in this whole saga everyone can truly say are not guilty will be the ones suffering. Unfair beyond words.

— Audrey (@audreyes92) January 11, 2016

Originally published as Essendon drug saga: Reaction to CAS guilty verdict