Anti-doping watchdog chief steps down

ASADA’s chief executive Ben McDevitt — the man praised for cleaning up Australian sport — has announced his resignation.

Ben McDevitt, CEO of Australian Sports Anti-Drug Authority (ASADA) has stepped down from his role.

AUSTRALIAN sports anti-doping authority chief executive Ben McDevitt is stepping down after three years in the role.

Sports Minister Greg Hunt praised Mr McDevitt’s “invaluable” efforts to clean up Australian sport as he announced the resignation today.

Mr McDevitt has decided to step down voluntarily and will leave ASADA on May 5.

“I wish to sincerely thank him for his leadership and achievements in protecting Australian sport and the clean athlete,” Mr Hunt said.

“Mr McDevitt brought extensive experience particularly in investigations and intelligence, which has been invaluable to ASADA’s work in combating doping in sport and to protect the clean athlete.”

While in the role, Mr McDevitt presided over “unprecedented” investigations into Australian professional sport, including AFL and NRL teams.

“Mr McDevitt has also made a valuable and respected contribution to global anti-doping efforts, working closely with the anti-doping organisations of other nations and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

“These efforts have contributed to Australia’s reputation as a leading nation in the fight against doping and protecting the integrity of world sport.”

Originally published as Anti-doping watchdog chief steps down