Collingwood star Harry O’Brien says he’s battling suicidal and depressing thoughts.
O’Brien made the stunning announcement as he returned to training on Tuesday following a falling out with coach Nathan Buckley.
He also told reporters he’d been sexually abused and had knowledge of a murder but did not go to police because he had been in fear of his life.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire he had been aware of O’Brien’s issues, but did not know he would reveal publicly his condition
O’Brien has been vocal on a range of social issues, and had a run-in with McGuire over his now-infamous King Kong radio gaffe.
O’Brien stunned reporters, who had been there following the incident with Buckley, with his statement.
“I’m going through issues that I sort of put in the past for a long time, including a long and very complicated history of sexual abuse,” O’Brien said.
“Suicide, depression, seeing someone get murdered knowing who’d murdered that person and not being able to say anything because that person would probably murder you.”
O’Brien asked for the media to be sensitive.
“When the time comes I will open up about these issues, but this is my personal experience and I have to do this in the public eye, and it’s really tough,” he said.
“And if you guys can give me a bit of space because I’m going through some real stuff here, real stuff.
O’Brien was the witness to a murder in Brazil on Christmas Day in 2011.
McGuire, on his Triple M breakfast program, said the club was giving O’Brien the support he needed.
“This is all about trying to do the right thing, to get him back,”
“We have got the best doctors, the best psychiatrists, the best psychologists all working on the case.
“We love the guy, so just give him some space.”
O’Brien had a disagreement with Buckley at a team meeting last week and spent the weekend in Port Douglas.
News Ltd says the flare up was over a teammate’s nickname Lez, short for lesbian.
Collingwood gave O’Brien permission for the break, saying an ankle injury had ruled him out of their match against Carlton.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 and MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
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