The issue of drugs in sport has again become a talking point with the overdose of prescription drugs by Aaron Gray and Dylan Walker from the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
If what has been reported is true and they mixed prescription drugs with energy drinks, then the education that players are receiving from clubs on the perils of drug abuse would appear to be inadequate.
You would have thought that after the Essendon and Cronulla drug scandals that professional sportsmen would have taken heed of the dangers of excessive drug use, but alas the penny doesn’t appear to have dropped. A reported investigation found that the irresponsible use of Prescription drugs among rugby league players is prevalent.
The demands and expectations that are placed on rugby league players by both the clubs and it’s fans must be tough so it’s understandable that some of them need to find an escape, but turning to drugs is a dangerous game to play.
In light of recent events the NRL should be obliged to set up more strategic and transparent programmes on the perils of alcohol and drug abuse for the safety and welfare of its players. The NRL have already announced that they will begin testing for prescription drugs, which is a welcome step.
If the NRL doesn’t become more proactive then the outcome next time may not be a positive one. Both Aaron Gray and Dylan Walker are expected to make a full recovery.
Will this incident deter other players from engaging in the same behaviour? Or is the lure of drugs too strong to resist?
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