Tigers deny drug culture

Richmond football manager Craig Cameron has baulked at claims the Tigers have a prescription drug culture after the exit of Daniel Connors from the club.

Connors and Dustin Martin missed training on Tuesday because they overslept after taking sleeping tablets.

While Connors had a prescription from Richmond's medical staff, Martin obtained his tablet from a friend and not his team-mate.

It follows an incident involving former Tiger Ben Cousins, who went to hospital after taking too many prescribed sleeping tablets in 2010.

However Cameron does not believe there is a drug problem at the club.

"I'm very confident that we've got experienced doctors here who prescribe the right medication to our players," Cameron said on Wednesday.

"We do counselling sessions with all players, as all AFL clubs do, through the (AFLPA) in regards to the use of prescription medication.

"But obviously we need to ramp up that education process."

Connors and Martin arrived at Richmond's Tuesday training session an hour late after a night out at a friend's place on Monday.

According to Cameron, the two Tigers played pool and Martin drank a small amount of alcohol before the duo spent the night at Connors' place.

While Connors was not in trouble for taking the medication, missing training was the last straw for the troubled 23-year-old, although Cameron claimed he had been 'terrific...up until now'.

"Daniel really wants to ... move on with the next part of his life," Cameron said.

"He feels sad that he hasn't lived up to the standards we've set as a football club and he's obviously disappointed, I've got no doubt."

Cameron revealed that Connors never 'pleaded his case' to stay at the club and added the midfielder would have his contract paid out.

He also made it clear that Martin's off-field behaviour had not been an issue prior to this week.

When asked, Cameron disagreed that Martin's two-match suspension for taking a friend's medication was lenient compared to Connor effectively being thrown out of the club.

"They're two different cases Daniel has a history that Dustin doesn't," Cameron said.

"This is Dustin's first sanction by the football club.

"I think two matches is a fairly stiff penalty."