Now this is a sad story.....

[am Bays]

Now this is a sad story certainly doesn't paint the Geelong Football Club in a good light mind you it is not appropriate to put all or even a quarter of the blame on them for what has happened to Ezra. Others associated and mentioned in this story need to have a good hard look at themselves certainly Ezra does as there comes a time when the individual needs to take personal responsibility.

Knowing his Mum (Ingrid), she and Peter haven't necesarily been painted in a good light in this story so I warn readers not to take everything written in this story (and this post too) at face value based on my knowledge of what they have done for Ezra to initially help him chase his dream.

Certainly a time for reflection on once the trappings of fame associated with AFL footy what can happen to young men when they are cut a-drift, especially if they are indiginous.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/afl-failed-a-falling-star/2007/11/16/1194766973046.html

[magpie in the 80's]

read this earlier this morning TASSIE.
from the big fish COUSINS to the small minnow EZRA, the help is far apart.
unfortunately EZRA seems to believe he hasn't got a problem.
interesting story though on the different cultures once they take their gurneseys off.

[Dogwatcher]

These stories are becoming more important to the game than the sheer joy of the game. Sad in many ways.

BTW - anyone doing a search for Laurence Angwin and making sure he's okay?

[Dutchy]

Reading that it seems his father is still not prepared to take any responsibility for him....your his Dad FFS, dont try to blame others

[mighty_tiger_79]

These stories are becoming more important to the game than the sheer joy of the game. Sad in many ways.

BTW - anyone doing a search for Laurence Angwin and making sure he's okay?

Angwin i believe is a playing coach up in the QAFL comp..........

[Dogwatcher]

Good to hear. Just using him as an example of anotehr player who was let down by the system. However, most people have never felt sympathy for him - just treated him as a joke.

[Rik E Boy]

'another player let down by the system'. Bullshit. The fault lies with the individual. It's Geelong's turn in the spotlight but don't get on your high horse as I believe that no club is clean from drugs...that is Ben Cousins' legacy and for that he'll be hammered today.

regards,

REB

[Dogwatcher]

You're right to use quotation marks around 'another player let down by the system'.
I'm not sure where I stand on this responsibility position. I think the AFL does have to take some responsibility, but so do the players involved. However, as in life, not all of us make the right decisions, and when removed from our familiar territories, things can change for us.

[Dogwatcher]

I also only mentioned Angwin to show that it happens to many footballers, not just those from Aboriginal backgrounds (although it does seem to effect them more emphatically).

[BJ Ernest]

Why do the AFL have to take resposibility for someone taking drugs?
Did the AFL force them to?
Its an individual choice, not the AFLs fault.

[Dogwatcher]

But what leads them to do that?
The AFL takes them from their home and gives them lots of cash and instant fame. A seductive mix.
Sadly I don';t know what the right answer is.
For example, no one's blaming Disney for giving Britney the lifestyle she has...

[JK]

Very sad story ... Plenty of them out there too, you don't have to be a footballer to go down this path in life

[Hondo]

Why do the AFL have to take resposibility for someone taking drugs?
Did the AFL force them to?
Its an individual choice, not the AFLs fault.

That's true

But the AFL, rightly or wrongly, have chosen to take on responsibility for monitoring/testing and rehabilitation in certain circumstances. So, while its good for the players affected, you could argue it means that are taking on responsibilities that other employers don't go anywhere near

Ultimately tho, the individual has to make the ultimate choice and so takes on the ultimate responsibility

[centrecirclelegend]

a very good friend of mine is a NT legend
ex premiership captain
ex premiership coach
he told me of this lad over a year ago and said this lad was the best to ever come out of the territory
and that he could be seen around darwin full as a boot and high as a kite almost all of the time unfortunately
he saw it first hand close up
such a waste of talent

[westcoastpanther]

Dad just wanted FINANCIAL compensation.... how predictable.....