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DAVID Evans has some explaining to do.
Witness accounts suggest Evans, the Essendon chairman who quit on July 27, did not tell the full story in his version of events surrounding the club's "self-reporting" its 2011-12 supplements program to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency.
Three months after the Bombers were booted from the 2013 finals, there are new claims surrounding the role of Evans and his long-time family friend Andrew Demetriou in the Dons saga.
Evans has strongly denied Demetriou tipped him off that Essendon was set to be named by the Australian Crime Commission in its drugs in sport investigation.
Demetriou, too, has been emphatic in his denials.
It all stemmed from the infamous "Night of Crisis" meeting at Evans' home on February 4 - Hird's birthday, and the night before the Bombers self-reported to ASADA and the AFL.
Evans summoned Hird, who was celebrating with his family, club doctor Bruce Reid, chief executive Ian Robson and head of football Danny Corcoran to his home.
Two people present testified to ASADA that Evans and Demetriou spoke by phone during the gathering, and Evans then told the group that Demetriou had said Essendon players had taken performance-enhancing drugs.
Evans and Demetriou denied the allegation; another has no recollection of the conversation; while the fourth man has refused to comment to the Herald Sun.
Initially, Evans told the Herald Sun he could not recall the telephone conversation, before changing his mind. But more about that later.
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The next day, February 5, Essendon "self-reported" and asked to be investigated by ASADA.
By then, several Essendon officials were aware of the ACC investigation, which was outlined in a press conference on February 7 in Canberra.
On the morning of February 5, Robson gathered all staff at Windy Hill and told them words to the effect: "Our part is just a small part of a much bigger investigation."
What was he talking about?
As Evans worked closely with the AFL, and the players and staff prepared for interviews with ASADA, Evans allegedly implored Hird to tell the truth - but not all of it.
In July, that comment was allegedly repeated. A third party, who made notes, stated Evans said in part: "I know I said this. But I pushed AD very hard. I read his body language on which club it was."
Sources have also told the Herald Sun that in days leading to the Round 3 game between Essendon and Fremantle in early April, Evans allegedly told Hird not to incriminate him.
On the day of the Dockers game, Demetriou told 3AW standing down was an "option he (Hird) would have to consider".
The AFL chief executive added: "I don't want to go further than that because as you know, I'm privy to information."
David Evans and James Hird.
Hird had yet to talk to ASADA, but in the week of the Fremantle game, he was being hounded to step down. Essendon lawyer Tony Hargreaves and Essendon crisis manager Elizabeth Lukin had both suggested to Hird that he should consider standing down.
It was also suggested a special AFL Commission meeting be convened to stand down Hird on the day of the Dockers clash.
It's understood that was aborted, as it would be seen to deny Hird natural justice.
Little wonder Hird rejoiced after beating the Dockers.
Hird was finally interviewed by ASADA and the AFL on April 16.
It's understood Hird told investigators his version of what was said on the "Night of Crisis".
On the day Hird was being grilled by ASADA and AFL investigators, the Herald Sun had a meeting with Evans at his East Melbourne office.
At that meeting, Evans denied Demetriou - who had been briefed by the ACC on January 31, five days before the Bombers self-reported - had told him Essendon was the club taking performance-enhancing drugs.
"No, that did not happen," Evans said.
Essendon chairman Paul Little says outgoing coach James Hird accepted the penalties for the good of the club.
Evans said he had done some investigating of his own, which was later revealed to include a visit to Reid's home on February 3, his alleged discovery of player consent forms at the club (which has been denied by others at the club); and talks with Hird and Demetriou on February 4, which had prompted him to self-report.
About 7pm on April 17, Demetriou contacted the Herald Sun and emphatically denied the AFL and he had played a role in the lead-up to Essendon self-reporting.
Two months later the Herald Sun learned of testimony to ASADA, which included an account of Evans speaking to Demetriou at his home, and Demetriou confirming Essendon was the club in strife. Again, Evans and Demetriou denied any tip-off.
On the morning of July 24, Evans was told the Herald Sun was running a version of events that allegedly occurred at his home on February 4.
Amid denials, Evans said he could not recall the telephone conversation with Demetriou.
The next day, July 25, the Herald Sun detailed the "Night of Crisis''.
Hird's response before a training session in St Kilda was: "I know I've told truth to ASADA and I know other people have as well, so the truth will come out over time.''
On July 26, the Herald Sun detailed the breakdown in the long-term relationship between Hird and Evans under the headline "The big split".
Despite a hurried hug in the rooms before the Hawthorn game at Etihad Stadium that night, the question was whether the pair could continue to work together.
Coincidentally, and amid concerns from Bombers officials about Evans's state of mind, Evans talked to the players before the game - a rare moment for a chairman. Hird permitted him.
After the game, Evans broke down in the changerooms and needed medical attention.
He resigned as chairman the next day.
It's understood the pair have barely seen each other since, and it's believed that at the Essendon best-and-fairest function in early October they did not speak.
Indeed, Evans hasn't spoken publicly since resigning, which surely needs to change.
mark.robinson@news.com.au
