Sen. John Thune is Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which has legislative and oversight jurisdiction over sports. In a letter dated 20 June 2016 to Sir Craig Reedie CBE, President of WADA, has states: "And WADA, must address the claims that it lacks the procedures and independence to fulfill its mission to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sports." ... ..." WADA's governing rules allow its board members also to serve in an executive capacity for sports organizations, which could give rise to a conflict of interest".... ..."A truly independent WADA is essential to the IOC's mission to demonstrate credibility on a world stage."... Read the whole letter here: https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/4bffa8b6-a87d-4b72-a17e-22511f34d3d8/1ECF41B6AB25AB09371463BEA1B5168B.jrt-letter-to-wada----final.pdf In the Essendon players case, WADA, based in Montreal, appealed to CAS. CAS appointed its own “panel”, a London Queens Counsel, a Belgian Advocate, and to provide an Australian flavour, Jim Spigelman QC, former President of the NSW Court of Appeal and current Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. CAS brought its own procedural and evidentiary rules, significantly different from those that the players had been required to satisfy in the AFL Tribunal Hearing. Not surprisingly, CAS overturned the unanimous AFL Tribunal findings of 'not guilty' and imposed playing bans on all the players. This US Senate letter is therefore relevant to the Essendon players case. The CAS decision frames the panel as manifestly untroubled in finding all the players guilty, in spite of a lingering, material confusion as to how that conclusion was reached. Thirty-four players of the Essendon football club are being called cheats. They are being called cheats on a finding made under a law that does not require proof of dishonesty or any other form of criminal intent. No one has ever made a finding of dishonesty against them. They have had to endure this one way WADA conveyor belt that has lead them to unjustified harm, unless they can find a way to get off it. An Australian Senate Inquiry into ASADA's ethics and practices may the way off. These players, and football supporters, just want a fair hearing. Thats all that is being asked. That is the Australian way. Please read and share this petition by selecting the links below. Thank you for your support