KEY POINTS:
The reaction from various quarters to the Andrew Johns episode has amazed me - particularly, in some cases, how vicious it has been.
I am not condoning anything Johns has confessed to doing but who are we to be critical of his actions when there is a bigger
problem here?
Some commentators have been quick to weigh into the controversy and turn their sights squarely on Johns without knowing his circumstances. I heard some of them speak of disgust over his comment that pressure played a part and that they, sarcastically, would love to have the pressure of getting paid large sums of money, training every day, and of playing sport.
We must remember these comments are from people who have achieved nothing in sport other than commentating on it. They do not know some of the stresses in playing at a high level and it is not just playing. Social issues, media and fan expectations as well as the pressure a player places on him or herself creates stress that cannot be handled easily. Unless you have been in that position it is too easy to comment negatively on those who fall by the wayside. Pull your heads in and comment on issues you know something about and not because you think you know better.
Having said that, there has long been knowledge of Johns and his love for a drink and there were rumours a few years ago of a drug dalliance. This was not the surprise when the news broke a few days ago; the surprise was how quickly the confession came and the extent of his misdemeanours.
Why such a rush? My personal view is that Channel Nine, a major contributor to Johns as well as the NRL, wanted all skeletons out of the closet now - so as to not create a situation like the drawn-out revelations surrounding previous employee Shane Warne. Channel Nine will show support and together they ride out the storm. Cynical this may be, but there is maybe more truth in it than most realise.
The issue here, instead of worrying about more drug tests, is that there exists a major problem with alcohol and social drugs. The NRL must wage a war on this very real problem.
If someone as high profile as Andrew Johns can become a victim then it can happen to anyone. I know people handle issues differently, but some professional sportsmen and women are fallible, because they're human.
I heard one commentator lambast Johns as a rich sports star who is a role model for kids. I assume he would have pity if he was poor. An illness like this does not discriminate and we should step back and look at all the facts before we convict someone and hang them.
Don't seek reprisals, arrest the problem before it becomes a bigger one.
Andrew Johns hid it for 12 years, how many others are hiding the same illness?