Is Fevola’s addiction an AFL problem?
Roar Pro
By Justin Rodski, 16 Apr 2010 Justin Rodski is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- AFL, Brendan Fevola, Brisbane Lions, David Schwarz, Hawthorn Hawks
Lions player Brendan Fevola (r) reacts after kicking a spectacular grubber kick goal. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
When Brendan Fevola packed up and moved north we all knew he had excess baggage, but what we didn’t know was he also had a massive gambling problem. The figure is believed to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, the issue so deep it’s more than just a problem but a severe addiction.
Fevola is 10 weeks into a counselling program he hopes can curtail his gambling, the problem I have is it’s taken him 10 years to seek help.
How many AFL players have gambling problems?
How many develop gambling related issues early on but don’t put their hand up and admit they are in trouble?
Fevola took his problem to coach Michael Voss in January and together they worked out a plan to help him get his life back on track. Clearly he’s been battling his gambling demons off the field for much longer than anyone thought, but like any social issue in football, his on field success overshadowed the need for assistance.
For months the rumours had been circling about an AFL star with a significant gambling addiction, and for months Fevola continually denied it was him. On Channel 9’s Footy Show last year he claimed he was just like any other responsible gambler, but it appears now, he really was just like any other gambler, in complete denial.
What we can only hope is players including Fevola aren’t gambling on AFL matches!
For the integrity of the game and the AFL competition, the league must do everything possible to protect itself against its own players betting on matches.
The football field is a players sanctuary; a place where all the problems of the outside world disappear and allow them to do what they do best. That’s why in my mind Fevola and others have been able to perform at the top level despite such significant problems.
With a huge disposable income and so much down time, there’s no doubt AFL players are susceptible to gambling. The poker revolution has also taken over at clubs and helped fuel the fire of any burning addiction. This doesn’t help the AFL’s cause!
The AFL and Players Association provide ample education about the dangers of the punt, but despite all the programs sometimes the message simply doesn’t get through.
What we have to remember is the AFL reflects society in every way, even in relation to its social issues. When the chips are down, the onus is on the clubs and players now to show their hand and admit they have a problem.
It must be such a massive burden to carry around and perhaps although it’s taken him 10 years, maybe the admission of Fevola will actually help other players follow suit?
Former demons star David Schwarz had a much-publicised battle with gambling, as did current Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin, both have now conquered their addictions.
It’s a wonder why there is such a stigma behind having a gambling problem? Is it an admission of weakness?
Maybe in this case Fev has finally helped do some good?
But trouble follows Fevola wherever he goes, even the move to Brisbane and a self-imposed media ban cant stop the skeletons from his past creeping out of the closet.
He has two bets he needs to repay in Brisbane. The first is to the bookies; the second is to the Lions.
Brisbane took a gamble on Fevola, and so far on the field it’s paying off in a big way.
The issue now is, can he keep his off field problems in check for the entire season?
What would be the odds of that?
Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.
Do you have what it takes to become a sports writer? Write for the roar
AFL articles
- More rugby league players to defect to the AFL? (160)
- Mobile madness: Optus decision bad news for codes (153)
- AFL divisions are the way of the future (106)
- Foxtel’s AFL coverage is nirvana for footy fans (89)
- AFL’s most hated club turns 120 years old (78)
- Israel Folau now ready for AFL (76)
- Optus ruling actually a good thing for AFL fans (52)
- Andrew Krakouer given four weeks leave from Collingwood
- Giants inspired to prove doubters wrong (32)
- Malthouse not fazed by assistant issue
- Richo says look out for the Tigers in AFL
- AFL clubs’ leadership groups getting out of hand (15)
- Who’s to blame for the Majak Daw beat-up? (32)
- AFL Tigers need to step up, says Cotchin
- AFL clubs’ leadership groups getting out of hand (15)
- AFL divisions are the way of the future (107)
- Crows changing, but will this AFL preview change your life? (2)
- Is Heath Shaw the right leader for Collingwood? (11)
- Could a female coach succeed in the AFL? (36)
- Demons’ two captain Jacks the right leadership choice (5)
- Mobile madness: Optus decision bad news for codes (153)
- Explore:
- AFL, Brendan Fevola, Brisbane Lions, David Schwarz, Hawthorn Hawks
Barry HARE said | April 16th 2010 @ 7:33am | Report comment
You have to give this Man a lot of credit for his addmission this is a very good start. No I feel it is for the best if the A.F.L. keept out of it. It looks as if he is trying to turn his life around good on him.
Redb said | April 16th 2010 @ 9:09am | Report comment
What about the media gets off Fev’s back?
I didn’t know he could count though
T said | April 16th 2010 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
He can’t count, that’s why he’s debt!
ilikelollies said | April 16th 2010 @ 10:10am | Report comment
Meh, just sending it back to where it come from.
Dirty litle secret that Vic, NSW and QLD AFL teams rely on gaming revenue to keep afloat, combined they take around $200 million a year off the public.
DB said | April 19th 2010 @ 10:27am | Report comment
If it’s a secret how do you know about it?
Richard said | April 16th 2010 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
I think we just have to acknowledge that Fevola has the emotional and intellectual maturity of a 10 year old. Put that in a man’s body, with all the resources of a huge salary, non-stop public adulation (well almost non-stop), the constant media attention and the bevvy of beautiful woman, and it’s the kid in the candy shop syndrome. Good step going to a psychologist. I wish him well with his disability, but I wish he’d just go away.
Charlie said | April 16th 2010 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
It’s pretty simple – everytime you feel like going to a Casino go to the gym. It’s less expensive and good for you.
I wish people would stop claiming addiction and instead use some self restraint. Todd Carney has shown us all this year that taking responsibility for your own actions is better than any psychiatrist or “expert”.
Marshall said | April 16th 2010 @ 5:01pm | Report comment
Exactly. Society seems to forget that stupidity is a choice.
Marshall said | April 16th 2010 @ 2:43pm | Report comment
Let’s be honest footballers aren’t the brightest folk and Fev is at the bottom of the pecking order. Just dumb.
Dogz R Barkn said | April 16th 2010 @ 3:01pm | Report comment
I was reading today that Will Minson has an IQ of MENSA proportions, speaks fluent German and has a decent grounding in Latin.
This was juxtaposed against his capacity to sometimes look like he doesn’t have a clue out on the footy field, running around like a shaggy dog.
BigAl said | April 17th 2010 @ 5:48pm | Report comment
I would say that the IQ of the average AFL footballer would be slightly above the population norm.
MyGeneration said | April 17th 2010 @ 6:08pm | Report comment
Thanks. I needed a laugh.
BigAl said | April 18th 2010 @ 6:28am | Report comment
??
Not sure why you find this laughable ?
Available analysis would appear to indicate this.
Perhaps your perception is clouded by media driven sensationalized comment on a segment of the population with a large testosterone drive, with access to larger than average financial resources.
.
On average, the average person is pretty much average!
Brucy B said | April 16th 2010 @ 4:57pm | Report comment
Personally i think Fev is an idiot, but in the Fev situation Carlton has a lot to answer for.
You let a young guy come into the club and there is a responsibility to look after them. Obviously he has got away with too much for too long and it was just swept under the carpet because he kicked a bag full of goals week in week out.
This is bad player management. The club should be held to account better by the AFL!
Lions oldie said | April 16th 2010 @ 5:26pm | Report comment
Brendan keep your chin up our boys will look after you and yes Brucy B you are right they take them young if that was my son i would be very upset with Carlton
His at a good family oriantated club now so his rehab will be great they will keep him o the stright and norrow GOOD LUCK BRENDAN
Beast-A-Tron said | April 17th 2010 @ 4:55pm | Report comment
“What we have to remember is the AFL reflects society in every way, even in relation to its social issues. When the chips are down, the onus is on the clubs and players now to show their hand and admit they have a problem.”
Onus? How do you figure that?
BigAl said | April 17th 2010 @ 5:45pm | Report comment
.
To be honest, I’m sure there would be some ‘publicists’ at AFL HQ having a little smile to themselves at the amount of action this is getting in ‘…non-AFL…’ markets!