Criticism of the AFL's illicit drugs policy has resurfaced after a member of parliament made fresh claims on Tuesday.
Federal MP Andrew Wilkie once again aired claims of illicit drug use by AFL players, and says one family alleges they were blackmailed by drug dealers over their son's supposed addiction.
It was in March when the Tasmanian politician first used parliamentary privilege to raise claims of widespread drug use by players.
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Wilkie claimed the AFL's drugs policy was enabling drug use rather than preventing it by helping players avoid game-day testing by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
On Tuesday Wilkie doubled down on the allegations, claiming he had spoken to a family who say their son became addicted to drugs and was subsequently blackmailed by criminals.
"The parents were told that criminals would destroy their son's reputation if they didn't hand over cash, and we have seen proof that cash payments have been made," Wilkie told the Herald Sun.
"The family had a photo of their son, which was taken by criminals, sent to them and my office has been shown that photo. This information has been provided to Sport Integrity Australia (SIA)."
In response to the fresh Wilkie allegations, the AFL issued a statement saying, "We've spoken to SIA and they have advised whilst the identity of all participants in the assessment remains confidential they have confirmed they haven't received any information relating to the report of criminal threats to a player or former player's family".
Wilkie claims the family told him shortly after their son was drafted into the AFL at age 18, he witnessed senior teammates smoking an ice pipe.
The AFL has already committed to revamping its illicit drugs policy this year but has denied a widespread drug issue within the league.
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