But the national sports doping regulator has confirmed it did establish a process with the AFL shortly after the Australian Crime Commission's bombshell report into drugs and organised crime in Australian sport was released in February.
"Given the number of players involved, it was important to have an orderly process to encourage players to come forward," an ASADA spokesperson told AFL.com.au.
"ASADA has not offered a zero sanction to any athlete or support person."
ASADA has also insisted it has never offered incorrect advice over the use of banned supplements or substances.
"At no time has ASADA offered sports advice inconsistent with the World Anti-Doping Code," the spokesperson said.
"Any suggestion to the contrary is incorrect and demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of how ASADA and the World Anti-Doping Code works, and the facts in relation to this investigation."
Critical substance banned: WADA
The agency has dismissed suggestions the AFL is getting favourable treatment compared with the National Rugby League as part of ongoing investigations.
"Under legislation ASADA is required to investigate all possible violations of anti-doping rules, regardless of the sport," the spokesperson said.
"It treats all sports in an equal and consistent way in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code."
Saga may drag on for years
Sports scientist Stephen Dank, who was a key figure in the Bombers' supplements program, expressed surprise at reports of an agreement between ASADA and the AFL.
"They'd better be very, very careful if these assurances were given," he told Channel Nine's Footy Classified on Monday night.
"Let's just say there are a number of issues because of that, and I think both ASADA, the AFL and the Essendon Football Club need to be very careful if that's true.'”
He also reiterated his stance that Essendon coach James Hird was a keen supporter of the Bombers' program that has since sparked ASADA's investigation.
ASADA's comments on Monday back up a response from the AFL, insisting the League's role was to establish a framework to enable the investigation to proceed.
"All parties have complied with this framework to date," chief executive Andrew Demetriou said.
"The framework did not provide for any guaranteed outcomes re recommendations or sanctions."
ASADA admits the international doping watchdog WADA could ultimately challenge its findings.
"Most critically, WADA provides oversight on all decisions made by ASADA. This means if WADA is unhappy with any anti-doping decision made by ASADA or an individual sport, WADA can appeal that decision," the ASADA spokesperson said.
Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL
