Earlier today, one of the AFL’s most well-known journalists decided to have a crack at a player battling depression, needless to say, it did not go down well.
Following a tweet showing Collingwood player Alex Fasolo at training after his decision to step back from the game to deal with mental health issues, Herald Sun chief football reporter Mark Robinson decided to tweet: “Good drugs – Clinical depression on Tuesday, training Thursday.”
The tweet, which I can only imagine was attempted humour, lasted only 15 minutes before being deleted among a wave of criticism.
“Very poor form,” one user wrote.
“Seriously? Please – understand depression before taking a shot on it. It’s nothing sad – it’s not having a bad day. It’s chemical,” another replied.
Collingwood had previously stated in their press release that Fasolo would continue to train as normal, but it appears that fact slipped the mind of someone who would consider himself the top AFL journalist in the country.
“He will continue to train and prepare for football with the expectation of a swift return to playing,” the statement read.
Robinson’s comments are nothing new, but the feedback from regular punters was fantastic to see.
They immediately called him on it.
After the backlash Robinson apologised for the tweet.
(AAP Image/Craig Golding)
A football player took the brave step of admitting he needs help. A decision that many men, women and children don’t make because of societal pressure or the belief that they can’t reach out.
But he was met with open arms by the public, with many sending messages of support to the small forward. It was amazing to see and hopefully will mean more players in professional codes seek help if they need it, despite the dunderheaded calls of a few.
Depression is something that can strike anyone. Like any other disease, it knows no race, gender or age. It is a sad fact that a significant proportion of us will suffer from it at some point in our lives.
I have suffered from this in the past, and it took years to admit even to myself that I needed help. What Fasolo did took a lot of courage, a lot more than a journo who takes pot shots on social media.
Good luck in your recovery Alex, I hope you come back to the long and successful career your talent has shown you can have.
Leonard
Guest
Shane, your "best to keep your unfunny whinging to yourself" reminds me of that saying about it's better to keep quiet and being thought of as a bit of a dill than opening your gob and proving their suspicions correct. Robinson seems to be to be a bit of a try-hard; maybe he should've stuck to qwerty.
Shane
Guest
It's not confected mate, it's the sort of outrage that dh's around the world don't understand, though.
Shane
Guest
The stigma of depression is exacerbated by dipshits like Robbo, meaning people who could seek help don't for fear of being ridiculed by clowns like him. That impacts our economy, our health system, and the quality of life for people who have a treatable illness. If you're not across a conversation, probably best to keep your unfunny whinging to yourself?
CatSaint
Guest
I think that's about right. I knew Robinson many years ago when he was in the early stages of his writing job and he was certainly not a nasty person. He was just a bit of a dullard who cultivated a "blokey" image by drinking/smoking a lot, having terrible personal hygiene and enjoying saying things that were not "politically correct". When he says crass and insensitive things, it really because he is slow and has very poorly developed social skills. This was the same 25 years ago. A major reason why media organisations are on the nose is because they promote and enrich people like Robbo (and Sam Newman and Brownless etc etc.). Really, are they the best the country can produce?
Stewie
Guest
Like many I was pretty shocked and appalled at Robbo's comments, however I heard his interview on SEN the day it all happened, and he did seem very apologetic and even hard on himself about it. I don't think he's deliberately a bad person. Rather he's an idiot.
Horrie
Guest
I think of him as Slobbo whenever I hear him on SEN. I have given up watching 360 and long since stopped reading his articles. Slobbo suits because of his laziness and inability to express himself with any coherence. I call him Slobbo because his views are fatuous not because he is fat.
Macca
Guest
Ken - you probably should read Glenn Mitchell comment before declaring a winner.
Macca
Guest
Everyone is allowed an opinion -not every opinion is equal, not every opinion should be respected and some opinions need to be called for the absolute rubbish they are.
ken oath
Guest
And Simon has won the argument. Well said.
Laurie
Guest
Well said.
Leonard
Guest
Agree with your last sentence, but that reaction is more widespread across several TV footy shows. (And, yes, [Like]s and [Disike]s are very subjective.) We had given up on 9's (AFL) 'Footy Show' by the end of the 90s, and that boofhead who kept screeching "Gimme something" ruined 'League Teams'. Is it the 'Less is More' principle at work? Some shows become popular, and programmers reckon "Geez, we must do more shows like that!" entirely overlooking that shows work largely because of the Who factor, and less so because of the What factor. And, unlike 'sincerity', it is almost impossible to fake that sort of successful combination: the Three Wise Monkeys (sadly now, with Lou gone, all gone) on their little B&W cathode ray tubes worked because of Who they were. Would gameday commentary be more appreciated with less commentators: Less = More?
billy jesser
Guest
When will FOX wake up and get rid of this Moron,he got away with his original comments on twitter about adam goodes ,when young girl called him an ape robbo passed it off as GEE WHIZ when i had a go at him he had me excluded from making comments on his page,his non stop rambling on 360 ruin the show soon as he starts i and lots of others TURN OFF
Slane
Guest
We all need help sometimes Graeme. It takes real strength of character to admit it and then ask for it.
Glenn Mitchell
Expert
As a sufferer of mental illness and having made an attempt on my life, I was horrified by Robinson's comments. I spend a lot of time presenting mental health and suicide prevention talks around WA and we are slowly getting the message through. Well written.
Chris
Guest
Axle there we go. He didn't mean his apology he was more about making excuses. If he is to grow he needs to just apologise by admitting he is a little bit of insensitive immature imbecile that very occasionally let's his true colours shine.
Chris
Guest
Brandon you'll only scoff until someone you truly love that's very close to home like maybe a sister , brother or your partner suffers from it that you'll truly understand the plight and effect it has around people. Be thankful you haven't.
Chris
Guest
Obviously you haven't lived with the trauma of living beside someone who has a mental issue. No matter how small and large. Robby is a typical a grade Baffoon Neanderthal who tries to hide his ways but as soon as he loses his guard bang out comes his true colours.
Anne wright
Guest
Agree completely, Robinson is a loud mouthed would be if he could be!! How he keeps his spot on 360 is beyond me!! All credit to Fazola for showing great courage. Kzb
Graeme
Guest
Im a tough guy. Been an Army Officer, played senior VFL footy, went to Afghanistan, joined UN as a security officer! Tough? Faz's admission will help me as of today as I know I have PTSD issues but wouldn't admit it....until I read this. To the Counsellors tomorrow! Go Pies and Faz!
Leonard
Guest
Good that an AFL player can admit to clinical depression and be supported by his club and the League. Wonder if one factor is that AFL footballing is now a full-time 'job' in a professional 'career', whereas in, say, the 1960s to 1980s VFL footballing was a more a part-time three days a week recreational pastime (admittedly at the highest possible level)? As for journo Robinson, Michael Sheehan he ain't.