A relationship between Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless’ ex-wife Nicky is believed to be the cause behind the falling out between the two close friends, which was first reported just days before Lyon yesterday indefinitely stepped down from his media commitments.
Brownless and his wife split some time ago with Brownless commenting on the break-up in an interview on Fox Footy program Open Mike last year, saying his public profile had contributed to the failed marriage.
“Yeah, no doubt,” Brownless said. “Because I do think in the media we get carried away with ourselves. There’s no doubt about that. And we get very selfish or self absorbed.
MORE:
» Garry Lyon’s mental health, and the need for respect
» Lyon stands down from media duties
“And it’s all about us, you know. And you do forget maybe your family or your wife or kids. And then later on when you think about it, you think I should have been a better dad. I should have been a better husband.”
“I didn’t see it coming either, so that hurt. Bang,” Brownless told host Mike Sheahan.
In the time since, Lyon has stepped down from his media commitments to Channel Nine programs The Footy Show – where he works with Brownless – and Footy Classified, with no return date planned, reportedly suffering from a serious mental health issue.
James Brayshaw is set to host The Footy Show solo until Lyon is fit to return, while Damian Barrett will fill in for him on Footy Classified.
Lyon had a 226-game AFL career with the Melbourne Demons in the 80s and 90s, winning the best and fairest twice, being the club’s leading goalkicker twice, and captaining the team from 1991 to 1997. He was also named All-Australian on three occasions. In the time since, Lyon has developed a successful career as a media figure.
The Roar encourages all readers who may be suffering from mental illness to seek support from organisations such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue or Headspace.
steve
Guest
Always seemed to be something shifty about Gary Lyon and i have never been able to warm to him. I have not watched The Footy Show since Brendan Fevola got pushed out the door and kicked on his way out. They all seemed to be great mates at the time but when Fev really needed some good mates to bring him back into line, they deserted him. I remember The Footy Show playing a segment which highlighted all Fev's "mistakes" and then there comments made me feel sick. Not one of them said that they had tried to help Fev, called Fev, lent him a shoulder or even an ear. Now look at "karma" coming back to bite them all. Brayshaw "marriage over, Lyon "marriage over", Brownless "marriage over", Newman "enough said" lol. Fev is set back on course is still married to Alex and have repaired the damage, radio, tv, are all fighting to get Fev back on board. GO YOU GOOD THING FEV. Oh just for the record, I wonder if Gary Lyon would have severe "depression and metal illness", if he "never got caught"?? MAN UP LYON YOU PARASITE
Todd
Guest
NineMSN have zero coverage of the issue...what a surprise. Every outlet without their direct commercial interest in Lyon damage control is covering it. Absolutely agree with the mod that there is most certainly an appetite for this coverage.
Todd
Guest
*** "all round good guy", not "all round old guy."
Forest Gimp
Guest
Patrick understands there is a significant difference between "public interest" and "what the public are interested in" Anyone claiming to represent "public interest" or the "public good" is the last person you want to be seated next to at a dinner party. They could be anything from a greenie, a deity botherer, communist or fascist (not that relevant) but guaranteed they won't have a well developed sense of humour. Trust the editor, his jaded knowledge of humanity is a heavy burden. Another drink of cynicism anyone?
TomC
Roar Guru
I cannot see how this affects the way sport is played, covered or managed. I'm pretty sure Patrick knew what public interest meant in that context; it has little if anything to do with the number of hits an article gets.
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Yes. However other people may say...
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Maggie, we are merely reporting what is already out in the open, and it's clear there's an appetite for this news. We were responsible in the way this article was worded. Commenters must be the same.
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Re: Public interest - we put this story in a non-prominent position (not featured, not on the homepage) and it was the most popular story on the site for the past two days. I'm sorry to say I think the public interest factor is proven on those grounds alone. We are a sports website, and we report and write our opinions about all elements of sport - the business, the media and the on-field. People vote with their feet on what they want to read. They voted they want to read this, despite the fact I find it all a bit sad and confusing. People are not allowed to make remarks that are defamatory. However, people are also allowed to take the piss out of me should they choose to.
Kris
Guest
1. This story is of interest if only because it exposes Lyon for hypocrisy after sitting in judgement on the off-field behaviour of others for so long. 2. All the coverage so-far reduces the woman in question to property. Articles talk about whether Lyon should or should not have broken some code, as though Brownless has some permanent claim over his ex. All the stories deny Ms Brownless any agency in making a decision of her own.
Lroy
Guest
Isnt the key word here ''ex'' wife..... ??? I mean, she isnt a piece of property or a cow to be bought sold or controlled, she can do what she wants. If she was involved with Lyon then so what?? Really, what am I missing? Headline should read ''two grown up human beings have consensual relationship...
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I hope I'm wrong in my view but it comes across that way a little. Putting away Brownless ex behind his, and his own families back would be hard to come back from. Falsely citing mental health issues would be almost impossible on top of that if it turned out correct.
anon
Guest
They are part of the grubbiest sports related show on Australian TV. Participants have in the past routinely made barely concealed misogynistic and racist comments, as well as laughed along when Sam Newman trawls the streets looking for mentally challenged people to laugh at. If they didn't directly make the comments, they certainly condoned them. That whole show is trash and an embarrassment to Australian TV. Payback.
New York Hawk
Guest
What a great post.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yawn.
Slane
Guest
Great comment.
AR
Guest
Hard to argue with that, Dan.
dan in devon
Guest
The publication of this kind of rubbish raises serious questions about the editorial judgement of those in charge of this site. I find it both sanctimonious and duplicitous for an editor to warn bloggers about their posts when they are so willing to scrape the bottom of a very greasy barrels for a bit of tittle tattle. Do we need to play the man, so to speak?
anon
Guest
Billy the kid becomes Billy the cuck!
Knoxy
Guest
Why is this rubbish even being published here? I thought this was a sports website, not Woman's Day.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Someone keep Macca away from this, if he starts
his posts will take up even more space.