DRUGS PROBLEM BIGGER THAN JOHNS

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?