Rockhampton surf life saving champion says sport is clean
ROCKHAMPTON surf life saving star Miranda Bell is defending her sport, as Surf Life Saving Australia suspends six young competitors and a coach over allegations of cocaine use and sexual assault.
Surf Life Saving Australia has suspended six members of Australia's Under 20 Australian Surf Team and Gold Coast-based coach Barry Newman after revelations of drug use and assault at the recent Rescue 2012 World Surf Life Saving Championships.
Miranda and her brother Sam, who were members of the Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club as nippers, competed at the championships in the Open divisions.
She says she has never seen anything like it in the sport, and maintains it is "squeaky clean".
Three members from an overseas team are also alleged to be involved in the possible assaults.
A full investigation has been launched, involving South Australian Police and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
A judiciary has been formed consisting of three eminent lawyers, one each from Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales.
The case is expected be heard from December 14 to 16.
For more of this story, pick up a copy of The Morning Bulletin tomorrow.
