Troubled All Blacks winger Zac Guildford’s admission that he is an alcoholic played a huge part in the New Zealand Rugby Union’s (NZRU) decision to continue his professional rugby career.
Guildford admitted at a media conference on Thursday that he was an alcoholic and said he accepted he had challenges that would stay with him for life.
“I think my understanding was limited around alcoholism and the issue I had. That’s the first step, admitting I was powerless over alcohol and, once I realised that, everything became a bit easier,” he said.
“I don’t think I need sympathy – I’ve made mistakes and now I’m just looking forward to bettering my future.”
The decision comes after the NZRU met Guildford and his representatives in Auckland on Wednesday, after a misconduct hearing on Tuesday.
Guildford says his turning point came during a month-long stay in a rehabilitation facility.
“The first step was acceptance. I went away to a facility for 28 days where I learned lot. I guess I went in there thinking I knew it all, but I didn’t.
“And that’s when I got out of the denial stage and started accepting who I am.”
In January, the 11-Test All Black withdrew from the Crusaders indefinitely after being involved in the latest alcohol-related incident to blight his career.
Guildford had previously been called before the NZRU three times in 18 months on alcohol-related issues.
The troubled winger ran into problems while on holiday in Rarotonga in November 2011, and vowed to give up alcohol after a naked, drunken night out in which he allegedly harassed a female jogger and then, after shedding his clothes and with blood streaming from his head, attacked two men in a bar.
The NZRU’s general manager of professional rugby, Neil Sorensen, said the decision wasn’t reached lightly or hastily, and followed a “very thorough” misconduct process and consultation with medical experts.
“Zac’s under no illusion this was a really close call,” Sorensen said.
“Termination was absolutely on the table, even up until last night. It wasn’t easy and it certainly wasn’t pre-determined.
“In fact, I think an easier decision would have been to terminate – I think we’ve made a tough decision but the right decision.”
No further public statements will be made around the details of the misconduct hearing or the basis on which reinstatement was granted, Sorensen added.
mania
Guest
sportym - strength thru compassion. love it and i learnt the same at the knee of my dear old mum. my story is similar to yours. i reckon i'm a lot older than you tho as i try to not measure others by the standards i hold myself too. my standards are mine and personal. i used too tho and got frustrated . i dont aree he needs role models tho. that always leads to disapointment. he needs help and a little bit of introspection about his life to date.
Sportym
Guest
Hey mania . To be honest I learned strength and many traits from my mother who raised me as a single mum, also while migrating to a new country. Have utter respect for how paternal and strong a mother can be. Though your right my standards are probably a lot higher due to my upbringing . The thing is we are all different , as I did not turn to the bottle I consider others that do. Though that's where I have placed the bar. Others have different views. I hope he kicks it, he has an amazing opportunity . I think he needs role models to teach him to be strong and not treat him like a victim. But hey when I go through a tragedy I want to be alone while others need company and support.
Sportym
Guest
Dan H. Without knowing his case history your jumping into a lot of conclusions about his state. You view him as a victim that needs help and care. I view him as someone that likes to drink and uses it as an excuse to run amuck . Maybe the truth is in the middle. Welcome to the Internet . For all the real victims of alcohol addiction there is a lot of wankers that use it as an excuse . I've have met plenty of people who go from nice to assholes without much alcohol. You have your opinion and I have mine, for you to judge me as ignorant and stupid ........ Kettle pot? Lets agree to disagree.
mania
Guest
wow sportym - did no one help u or give u copmpassion when u needed it? maybe your so hard on zac because u had to be hard on yourself. weak is such a harsh word but it shouldnt be a bludgeon used to smack zac around the head with and make him feel worse. maybe weak in this case should mean that he's someone that definately needs help?
Sportym
Guest
Okay, my intital statement probably came across as harsh. I lost my dad when I was six , and for those 6 years it was war at home between mum/dad. I've had a relationship destroyed due to cancer, sure there was a time I found solitutude behind a bottle as a result, though never did I use it as an excuse. Maybe I am too hard but I believe he is weak, and enjoys it
mania
Guest
i'm not bagging u danH, but when u speak to me it pays to use small words and type slowly cos i not read 2 fast. you'll need to get used to the level of facetiousness on this site.
Dan H
Guest
Sorry mate I was just saying you were right about where alcohol is processed and that it is a poison. In a broader sense though it is still considered a drug. I was only saying anything because HT was questioning me whilst agreeing with what I was saying which I find facetious.
mania
Guest
danH - your confusing me. all i was doing was replying to HT about the distinction. i have absolutely no idea how the treatment is defined. i'll agree with u cos your the expert. ps - this makes me glad i quit drinking 1997 and smoking 2012. a whole year without a cigerette. choice
Dan H
Guest
Mania you are correct about the distinction of where it is disseminated but alcohol will still be considered a drug as its a chemical introduced to the body which impacts upon body function, that is in the broader sense of the term. You are also right that it is scheduled under posions though and I think that is where the distinction lies and we term treatment facilities ATODS (alcohol tobacco and other drugs services) or the AOD sector (alcohol and other drug sector). Still alcohol generally presents with its own characteristic problems people argue about the definition and itll depend who you ask. HT pretty sure you just answered your own question. Addiction is what you go to rehab or counselling for as its the psychological aspect of illness. Physical dependence is what you go to detox for so over about a week your BP doesnt sky rocket and you dont stroke out or have a seizure. Arguably apart from the chemical changes that go in the brain regarding your pleasure center addiction has very little to do with the physical aspect. Yeah I am pretty sure of where I work and unlike some I wouldnt just disagree with someone for the sake of it. Or try to pick apart someones post especially when I agree with their sentiments.
Dan H
Guest
Spot on. You can be an addict regardless of how much money you have.
Kiwi in Europe
Guest
I agree with the way this situation has been handled. As an Employee it would be irresponsible for the NZRFU too tear up Zacs contract without doing everything too help him with this issue. I think it sets a good example for society too reach out too people and try and help them who shows signs of addiction before throwing the book at them. It also creates awareness amongst young people of these issues.
allblackfan
Guest
I believe I read somewhere that part of the reason why the NZRU is allowing him back is because the experts have advised them that it is important for Zac to keep playing rugby. If the NZRU cuts him loose now, his life could well spiral out of control. As for those people who think it's all about having too much money, why not take a trip down to Kings Cross on a Friday/Saturday night and see if that is all about having too much money!!
mania
Guest
alcohol isnt a drug. its a poison hence why its handled by the liver. drugs get handled by the kidneys
Jerry
Guest
"beale, JOC and QC get away with shtloads worse." Really? Shtloads worse than assault? Like what? Beale assaulted someone and will face criminal charges for it, unlike Zac. When have JOC or Cooper ever done that?
mania
Guest
well said richard. spoken from someone with a bit of compassion and intelligence. zacs rugby career is so far down the priority list here. zacs health is much more important
richard
Guest
There are some sanctimonious posters here,posting about a subject they know nothing about.Having been directly affected by this disease (a more appropriate word than addiction) with a parent who was an alcoholic,I can assure you,it's easier said than done to dry out.It is as much a disease of the mind,as it is of the body.And it will take all of Guildford's willpower to break its stranglehold over him. Whether or not,Guildford makes it back as a player is irrelevant,what really matters is that he conquers this disease.
mania
Guest
sportym - do u have no compassion? he lost his father a while back at the under 20's world cup. his father was in the stands watching zac in the finals. whilst zac has been a dik head it hasnt been theft, rape or murder. zacs a young kid with lots of money but he's still as vulnerable as anyone else whose lost a parent. the media coverage doesnt show how much charity work he does and how he goes out of his way to support terminal children. zacs a nice kid just a bit young and dum. beale, JOC and QC get away with shtloads worse.
Billy Bob
Guest
Well said Dam H. Probably none on this forum were in that tribunal or at that rehab. Oh but the knives are out. Websites have become the space age equivalent of the stocks and gallows. You could cut the ignorance and judgement with a knife. Something kiwis and Aussies have in common -Tall poppy syndrome - and the 'genius' lynch mob have Zac in their sights today. Don't worry though soon it'll be back to Quade or SBW tomorrow.
mania
Guest
Bazza Allblack Supporter - u'd be surprised the definaition of an alcoholic. apparently if u drink once a week every week then u can be classed as an alcky. i know when i was zacs age i couldve been definately classed as an alcoholic
Hightackle
Guest
Ive always rated Zac. I have never rated the way sports stars are held up as role models or to higher standards than 99% of the population. As far as Im concerned, I couldnt care less if Zac parties all the time with Charlie Sheen and gets in bar brawls as long as he doesnt cheat and he plays hard. Its a shame that we want everyone to be a certain way and try to sanatize our sports stars in fear they will actually reflect reality, god forbid we have a mirror held up. Better to just pretend that what Zac is doing is not really a part of our culture. If everyone who acts as bad as Zac has was to get sacked, we would be over run with the unemployed.