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Wallabies clean-skin David Pocock is being targeted by a fake website threatening to "expose" the rugby star for his use of controversial nutritional supplements.
Pocock's management are aware of the bogus page, which uses ESPN branding to flog a supplement it says is used by Pocock. NFL stars Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have also been targeted in similar methods.
"Pocock's dirty secret is one that he's been trying to keep under wraps for years and for a good reason too," the site states, under the byline of a Ryan Hasman, who purports to be an "ESPN senior staff writer".
"Unfortunately the alternative that he's been using has now fallen under the scrutiny of officials and is in all likelihood going to get banned."
At the bottom of the article, a series of Facebook users appear to comment on the story, endorsing the supplements and urging others to try them.
"David is an athlete that trains exceptionally hard and relies on his own natural ability and drive, determination and preparation to achieve his outcomes and goals", Levine told Fairfax Media.
"David has taken action as its own expense against these rogue business operators, and this fake site was completely shut down in June.
"However despite best vigilance, from time to time fake sites, encompassing false advertising and renegade operators, pop up and David begins the process again, to stop their misleading and totally false advertising. This not only happens to David but a number of leading sports personalities around the world.
"Should these sites continue to pop up in the future (and as far as we know they have not re-emerged) , David will continue to spend his own money to protect his well-earned reputation and seek to shut down completely false advertising and scoundrel operators down."
Emma Barnes, Head of Communications for ESPN Australia added "We are aware of these sorts of fake ads and are exploring legal options to protect our IP."
Pocock, purportedly the highest-paid player in Australian rugby, is a high profile target.
A self-confessed diet and exercise obsessive, the No.7's physique and strength has helped establish him as one of the game's best and toughest players internationally, despite enduring two knee reconstructions in recent years and a fractured eye socket in June.
Last month he continued to defy expectations after returning to Wallabies duty mere weeks after breaking his hand against Argentina.
http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/austra...Z&ocid=DELLDHP