I got done trafficking ice back in 2015 and it saved my life, I went on medication to get off drugs, I now have a beautiful partner a 8 year old step daughter and a 2 and half year old son. It’s up to the person if they want help or to get clean no one else’s
The AFL and footy clubs are kidding themselves if they believe care for players and the general public comes first. Gambling for instance is not only encouraged by throwing out the odds for every game, but their venues have for many years profited from poker machines. On one hand a player can't disagree with an umpires decision (because of the children).. then they show past players suggesting a same game multi. Stop feeding us crap and giving an inferior product while pretending to stand on the moral high ground. It's a joke!
Why is there a whole shift in society to blaming your employer, partner, parents, economy, your upbringing or the dog for your misfortune. This seriously this is getting out of hand, sadly the media are feeding the problem, take accountability for your one actions, we all make mistakes.
You're kidding aren't you. The players are certainly not blaming the AFL for what happens to them afterwards. Its a very unique employment and for the stars that don't get an opportunity in the media then they should have a pathway to a successful life after football. To be so incredibly ignorant and state that they are blaming someone or an organisation for their mistakes is just laughable. The media are not feeding the problem they are acknowledging there is a problem and attempting to find the best solution. Whoever said they weren't taking accountability for their actions? In fact i cant think of 1 instance in where a player has blamed the AFL. He isn't the first player to go down this road and good on the AFL for doing what they can or more so what they will do in the future to prevent more players in these situations. Im shocked at your ignorance
@@paulbanks4987 lol. You just blamed the AFL. Give me a break. AFL footballers are one of the most privileged people in society and highly paid. Footballers can earn enough in a year to buy a house and be on easy street for life. AFL players can get good jobs inside or outside the game in many different fields. Or start a business like many of them do. There are still millions of people who live of 30,000 per year, and cant put the heater on because power prices are insane. Its not society's or AFLs fault when a privileged footballer decides to go into a life of crime and sell drugs. The AFL is not responsible for a players whole life, and when a player decides to sell drugs, be a criminal and harm society he doesnt deserve any help. The player has a responsibility to society and football to be a good role model, for kids and the game. Nobody comes to help me when I lose my job. I have to get another job to keep a roof over my head and buy food. Most players earn millions over their career, you're basically saying society and the AFL should give welfare to millionaires who piss their money up against the wall by gambling or taking drugs.
The shift in society comes largely off the back of 50 years of neo-liberal thinking from policy makers (worldwide) who’ve given power to businesses. Economy goes boom, sure (maybe), but those businesses are then accountable for protecting their long term image and the welfare of their people.
8:41: "We can kick blame and responsibility around wherever we like..." How about the person who committed the crime? How about just leaving the blame and responsibility with him?
I heard reiwoldt telling us that he is best mates with an ex player that is now a very wealthy "property developer" That ex player has a very long history of appalling behaviour and many close friends in the drug and crime arenas....that player was flat broke not too long ago....reiwoldt is full of it
Am I missing something here? When does the individual take responsibility. Again we're engaging in 'nanny care." Clubs educate players on character development. It's up to the individual to learn what's been taught. Shifting blame off the player distorts responsibility, which is firmly in the hands of the individual. Just speaking it real. The other issue not mentioned, through greed and addiction, he's destroyed the lives of others through selling drugs.
Right, people expect society or the AFL to feel sorry for millionaires who pissed their money up against the wall by gambling and taking drugs. Selling drugs is next level and thats the kind of person we should NOT be helping.
If anything I think maybe the players might be getting too much assistance. Clubs should try and teach footballers how to survive on their own and not do everything for them so that they’re prepared for life post football
Come on mate, it’s ezy to point fingers on the couch at home. Imagine your a teenager and suddenly you’re a celebrity athlete surrounded by attractive girls, money and drugs. It’s not hard to imagine plenty of these kids being taken advantage of by criminals and ruining their lives.
@@liamgross7217 decriminalising drugs might have helped his situation. Nice boomer comment btw. People back in the 1960s-90s never had issues with drugs am I right? People are actually better at taking personal responsibility than they ever have been honestly. The difference being that the social support available to people is nowhere near what it used to be
@@markharrison6498 wanker, mate we love our drugs. Get some research into you. Or can’t you read, I guess that would be someone else’s fault If you can’t. Man up pussy and take responsibly. Best remind me what social support was around in past….
If only they'd taken this stance with Ben Cousins instead of shitting on him every chance they get to get a story instead of making change to the system to help these blokes. Drugs are the plague of our generation and it is so unfortunate that it has such a tight grip on people.
Did you perform your job every day in front of tens of thousands of people and open to public scrutiny, if so then at least your argument is on a level playing field, otherwise your arguing apples and oranges
I can't help but wonder if it's actually going to get worse in the future. I got interested in footy just as the game was turning professional and the money players got paid then was peanuts in comparison to now,but I think those players understood what it was like for people living on Struggle Street. These days 18 year old kids get drafted and walk into six figure salaries for as long as they're in the AFL system. Then add on that they're given celebrity status because of their ability to kick a footy. Maybe the best thing clubs can do for their players wellbeing in the future is to get them involved in their communities rather than living inside the AFL player bubble.
What a copout. Sam is a grown adult and has made the wrong choices. Apparently the answer is to blame the system? What about all the people that have been hurt in the wake of his life decisions? If some time in the slammer isn't a wake up call then he's too far gone. Encourage taking responsibility for one's actions, not always looking for a scapegoat.
@undeadkid101 101 Speaking like someone trying to defend a friend there, chief. If that's rally what you think about this particular situation then you are part of the problem and should be ashamed. I am referring specifically to this case in point and if you are doing the same then I don't know what to say to you. Sure, the AFL could be doing more to help players transitioning out of the game but this happens to many, many people and when this guy chooses to take the path of crime why are you so quick to blame the system? For all we know he could've been offered other opportunities and chose to go a different route. He is one of only a handful of players who have turned to crime after footy with the vast, vast majority not choosing this path. If you were referring to players that couldn't make a good living for themselves after their playing careers then your point is an obvious one but criminal activity is another thing entirely.
@undeadkid101 101 We're all sitting in the cheap seats. Nobody says the AFL can't do a better job at taking care of players post-career. It is simply a matter that in the context of this particular incident and conversation it is irresponsible to immediately jump to justification for criminal behavior. That is all. Try saying to his family and close friends that "stuff happens". Try saying "stuff happens" to the families of people he supplied thereby enabling a harmful and potentially fatal habit. There are no winners here. Just a guy who made the wrong choices and now has to pay the price. Have a good one
Didn't hear one comment about the lives drug dealers completely destroy of the loved ones of an addict that get totally hi jacked emotionally and financially supporting a loved one on drugs . Fisher made a choice, pay the price now , simple as that . I lived five yrs supporting my son who made the wrong choice (drugs) . Zero sympathy for parasite dealers , enjoy your porridge
Tl;dr If there's ways to stop a future Sam Fisher, why not at least try? The lack of empathy and will to make things better in the comments is so disappointing. The average AFL career is 2-3 years. The top 9% able to play 150+ games grow up from 17-18 in a bizarre bubble where they're paid a fortune, but work a 24/7 job where their every move is scrutinised by media and fans. Then one day they (or their club) realise their body can't take the demands of their job and they're thrown into the real world in their late-20s/early-30s. No one is comparing their plight to someone starving in Africa, but it's still a challenge that some aren't adapting too.
One. Sam’s a grown up who made grown up choices. He has to take responsibility for the consequences of his choices. Two. What more could you have done? You are in no way responsible for the independent choices a grown up makes, unless you believe you have an authoritarian role in his life. Could you have advised him more firmly? More comprehensively? An adult will make the choices he believes are in his best interests. If he can’t make the right moral choice, he’s not going to listen to advice. At some stage a person has to stand up and take personal responsibility.
I will admit that it isn't easy for a player to just go back into normal jobs in the sense that there is a stigma from going from being famous to just being a regular joe doing a regular job with regular pay, aka, "hey I know him! he used to be famous and now he's working here, ha!"... and if you're struggling with money it would be less likely that they'd have the strength to ask for help like the rest of us regular people. So from a mental health issue, it can push players to take shortcuts to avoid that in order to live as they did when they were in the spotlight. However, there are ways around this. Players earn a lot per year, and they need to have the foresight to save some of it for the later years, so they can fund a transition, a business venture, invest, and/or move to a place where they would be less well known (but then again not everyone can leave their family and friends and the place they love). But personal responsibility matters, and that's why there are these laws there in the first place, because the law recognizes that personal responsibility comes first, otherwise people who break the law wouldn't be jailed. And it wasn't like he was a drug user with an issue - he was engaging in drug trafficking which everyone knows is against the law. Basically if you do the time, you do the crime, that's the risk you take, and in this case it didn't pay off for him.
I don't understand what he's asking for? There's no support for a trade or office worker who get involved in this stuff. Improved programs and psychs is a start but it requires the player to want help. They aren't military vets with ptsd, they are privileged to earn that much money at that age.
AFL clubs do the MOST to ensure players are on the right track. Putting players through uni, trades, giving them jobs at the club post footy in coaching, media, scouting etc. Ridiculous position to have from nick reiwoldt
Sam Fisher would have earned enough through his career to buy a nice house car and then have truck loads left after. If you wanna fix the problem put the draft age upto to 21 make them finish a uni degree or tafe course 1st. They would then have a qualification after footy and also not having to deal with the stress of AFL at such a young age. doing this would hopefully allow older players a few more years as well.
Do you really think it's that easy to go from being famous, well-paid and having the nation watching you to being a regular joe in a regular job? It's not easy. It's easy for us because we slip into those jobs unknown and aren't coming from a more well-off state, whereas they'd be seen as downgrading and thus have a fear of being mocked. Some perspective needs to be had here. But yes, foresight for the end of their career and funding that moment with some of their money (like super) would be the ideal way to plan ahead.
Time, money, little appreciation for what real life looks like post football. What does that mean; quarantine part of the footballers salary over their playing career and it gets drip fed back to them post retirement? Or part of the players wage agreement is setting up a fund to cover university or trade training for players?
A lot of people in the comments with zero idea of what an ex professional sportsman/sportswoman goes through mentally once their career/identity is over. The theme of “get over it” unfortunately doesn’t work , never has - never will. The life of a professional sportsman is something completely foreign to the majority of society and normal life is completely foreign to a professional sportsman and that culture shock is proving too much.
Don't care, when you earn that sort of money when you are young, if you are then stupid enough to do this, what do you think the hard working public who get up every day to do a job they hate for little money is going to think? Oh poor guy that never worked a real job but has more money than me had a hard time, oh poor baby. Fark em.
What drugs do to a community, a neighbourhood and family is pure destruction.. Sam Fisher deserves what's coming to him. Stop feeling sorry for people like him. We are all responsible for our own actions.
Nick's over the top. You can't lump it all on the AFL or AFLPA. Personal responsibility is a factor. He may have enjoyed that life. The issue is far more complex than what Nick makes.
Drugs are not the problem it is the means that allows an individual to fall into this world that is the problem a little bit of honesty would be a good start
That's the trouble with Society now, it's always someone else's fault. He went down that street, now he'll pay the cost. Blame lays squarely with Fisher, so grow up Riewoldt!!
1. AFL needs to be rebranded as an opportunity and not a career. A career implies that its going to be long-lasting and somewhat successful. For some the opportunity may last 300 games and 15 years...others it may last 3 years depending on circumstance (injury/talent etc). There needs to be more emphasis on life after football and players passions within the wider community because a lot of these past players are lost souls as football has been their life since they were teenagers being groomed to play at state level and then into the draft. Unless you are one of the few who make it into coaching or commentary, the chances are you will be back working a normal 9-5 job that you may not like and life may seem dull and lifeless. Imagine coming from playing at crowds of 75,000 every weekend to then being cut and not knowing what to do with your life. The highest highs every weekend and the adrenaline in front of crowds and then everything seems so dull when that isn't occurring. 2. Player's need to be held accountable for their actions. Let's face it once you get over the age of 21 and mature...you know right from wrong and in this instance Sam Fisher decided to do this, it has nothing to do with AFL. It's a totally different scenario from being a past player who is lost in life and needs direction and to find another passion....and then there is just being a plain criminal and trying to outsmart the law. Players know right from wrong regardless of who they are, and if they commit a crime, they should be looked at just like any other civilian, rather than a glorified sportsman.
It’s a small majority of players really, like with any work industries ya gonna have that small percentage that make the wrong choices,going to prison will probably help turn his life around and he will be surrounded by people that can guide him down the right path.
All the resources around players and once they step out of line - it's the leagues fault. The more we continue to side-step the facts, the more convoluted the 'facts' become..
when high profile people can talk and take responsibility, maybe this will filter through to society. Not enough companies can look after their employees
Some individuals are always going to choose a path of destruction and it’s very hard to combat. Look at Ben cousins, great family, career, marketability, skill and still chose a path. I think it is a multi tiered issue, Government, AFL, individual and society.
The players live in a bubble removing them from the real world. The players bargaining agreement restricts them from getting into the real world by only allowing them a handful of hours a year in community. How hard would it be for every player to give 8 hours a week out in schools, visiting and “working” in homes and hospitals etc. Great for the players to actually touch the real world, great for the community and a great way to grow new supporters of our game.
If the AFLPA was fair dinkum they would stop trying to get massive increases in the cap that flows directly to the top 5% of players they would focus more on getting services and education in place for players. While the system is far from perfect the USA model of 3 years of college prior to turning pro which gave a lot an education is a smart thing. Senior footy should be restricted to over 22 years old clubs draft players from 18 and for 4 years they play 2nds footy while they also get educated and a career. Allow the 18 - 22 to play no more than 6 senior games a year as development players if other are injured. Problem solved
Let’s disregard the families of the people receiving the drugs he’s transported…..the violence, stealing to fund habits, and the seedy underworld Sam would no doubt have immersed himself in……that’s not the piint is it Nick…….its all about a priviledged guy who had every opportunity and many years and made terrible choices…..he is at fault. Take responsibility for your actions…..he’s an adult. I’ll be worrying about the victims of his crimes before i worry for a guy who had it all and many forks in the road and HE chose to go down this sordid path. When you move from using to dealing and transportation you have jumped the shark. He’s nearly 40 for heaven’s sake…..grow up! The AFL clubs are not to blame.
I'd dare say there's thousands more in general public in the same position as a few ex-footballers, that lose their lives to drugs. Doesn't mean the AFL needs to give support to players just because they've lost their jobs. Maybe personal responsibility and a bit of foresight knowing they're in a career with a definitive expiry date. The more pressing issue is how do parents of budding players (and the AFL during their career) raise level headed ppl who don't lose themselves mentally within the celebrity lifestyle of football. I would guess other entertainment professions have similar issues, from rock stars to sports stars etc. How do they cope with what would feel like an empty mundane life after years being pampered in the spotlight? Or there's just some ppl in society that are much more susceptible to addictions and Sam Fisher found himself in one of the worse professions as someone who was probably already susceptible.
Yes I feel like this is true of everyone not just retired AFL footballers. Especially nowadays very few people have a job for life. Most of us find ourselves feeling lost and wondering what we’ll do next. And we don’t have any AFL community to provide at least some small assistance we have to struggle on our own with the support of friends and family
Wow how about people talk about our veterans who can't transition into civvy life hence suicide rate is high don't really hear much of suicide rate of AFL players
I'm glad everyone cares about celebrities, sportsman and politicians.. wish the people were showed the same respect, considering we fund all above mentioned occupations..
What rubbish any one dealing in drugs deserves full force of the law why blame clubs it's rubbish all kids are taught about drugs and the repercussions. Be a man cop your punishment like a man stop dropping blame on some afl system. It's the individuals choice. That simple
Save your pay...its not what you make its what you spend...educate them to invest their money. Educate them about gambling and parties....drugs etc. What do they say? Footy is not a career....how many pro footballers think strategically??
"A person's life is ruined because of this".... are you serious roo? How many peoples lives have been and are continuing to be ruined because he was selling drugs on a large commercial scale probably for a long time. Clueless take
I find it a lil dumb that Brown talks about life after football and making money in a normal job. Being on TV talking about football instead of playing isn't too much of a change. Sure he's only getting like minimum wage 🤣
I got done trafficking ice back in 2015 and it saved my life, I went on medication to get off drugs, I now have a beautiful partner a 8 year old step daughter and a 2 and half year old son. It’s up to the person if they want help or to get clean no one else’s
Congrats bro you should be very proud of yourself. Completely agree, you cant help someone get clean unless they want to help themselves first.
The AFL and footy clubs are kidding themselves if they believe care for players and the general public comes first.
Gambling for instance is not only encouraged by throwing out the odds for every game, but their venues have for many years profited from poker machines.
On one hand a player can't disagree with an umpires decision (because of the children).. then they show past players suggesting a same game multi.
Stop feeding us crap and giving an inferior product while pretending to stand on the moral high ground. It's a joke!
Beautifully said! Spot on.
Time for players before profits
Here, here!
As a recovering addict myself, it’s no one else’s responsibility but there own.
thats the first and most important step, Well Done
Theres one thing definitely at fault, prohibition. Drugs are fine, prohibition kills
@@jasonbachelor604 thats a novel view
@@alexlanning712 A footballer can sink piss all night, but a line of coke is out of line? Come on
Why is there a whole shift in society to blaming your employer, partner, parents, economy, your upbringing or the dog for your misfortune. This seriously this is getting out of hand, sadly the media are feeding the problem, take accountability for your one actions, we all make mistakes.
You're kidding aren't you. The players are certainly not blaming the AFL for what happens to them afterwards. Its a very unique employment and for the stars that don't get an opportunity in the media then they should have a pathway to a successful life after football. To be so incredibly ignorant and state that they are blaming someone or an organisation for their mistakes is just laughable. The media are not feeding the problem they are acknowledging there is a problem and attempting to find the best solution. Whoever said they weren't taking accountability for their actions? In fact i cant think of 1 instance in where a player has blamed the AFL. He isn't the first player to go down this road and good on the AFL for doing what they can or more so what they will do in the future to prevent more players in these situations. Im shocked at your ignorance
@@paulbanks4987 on the spot
it's much more grey than that
@@paulbanks4987 lol. You just blamed the AFL. Give me a break. AFL footballers are one of the most privileged people in society and highly paid. Footballers can earn enough in a year to buy a house and be on easy street for life. AFL players can get good jobs inside or outside the game in many different fields. Or start a business like many of them do. There are still millions of people who live of 30,000 per year, and cant put the heater on because power prices are insane. Its not society's or AFLs fault when a privileged footballer decides to go into a life of crime and sell drugs. The AFL is not responsible for a players whole life, and when a player decides to sell drugs, be a criminal and harm society he doesnt deserve any help. The player has a responsibility to society and football to be a good role model, for kids and the game. Nobody comes to help me when I lose my job. I have to get another job to keep a roof over my head and buy food.
Most players earn millions over their career, you're basically saying society and the AFL should give welfare to millionaires who piss their money up against the wall by gambling or taking drugs.
The shift in society comes largely off the back of 50 years of neo-liberal thinking from policy makers (worldwide) who’ve given power to businesses. Economy goes boom, sure (maybe), but those businesses are then accountable for protecting their long term image and the welfare of their people.
8:41: "We can kick blame and responsibility around wherever we like..." How about the person who committed the crime? How about just leaving the blame and responsibility with him?
I heard reiwoldt telling us that he is best mates with an ex player that is now a very wealthy "property developer"
That ex player has a very long history of appalling behaviour and many close friends in the drug and crime arenas....that player was flat broke not too long ago....reiwoldt is full of it
Am I missing something here? When does the individual take responsibility. Again we're engaging in 'nanny care." Clubs educate players on character development. It's up to the individual to learn what's been taught. Shifting blame off the player distorts responsibility, which is firmly in the hands of the individual. Just speaking it real. The other issue not mentioned, through greed and addiction, he's destroyed the lives of others through selling drugs.
Right, people expect society or the AFL to feel sorry for millionaires who pissed their money up against the wall by gambling and taking drugs. Selling drugs is next level and thats the kind of person we should NOT be helping.
If anything I think maybe the players might be getting too much assistance. Clubs should try and teach footballers how to survive on their own and not do everything for them so that they’re prepared for life post football
100% agree with this
How about a bit of personal responsibility for actions away from the game?!
Come on mate, it’s ezy to point fingers on the couch at home. Imagine your a teenager and suddenly you’re a celebrity athlete surrounded by attractive girls, money and drugs. It’s not hard to imagine plenty of these kids being taken advantage of by criminals and ruining their lives.
@mr hansen you sound like a dealer
Yea, same as a lot of people in a lot of positions. Take some personal responsibility, something that is missing more and more these days.
@@liamgross7217 decriminalising drugs might have helped his situation. Nice boomer comment btw. People back in the 1960s-90s never had issues with drugs am I right? People are actually better at taking personal responsibility than they ever have been honestly. The difference being that the social support available to people is nowhere near what it used to be
@@markharrison6498 wanker, mate we love our drugs. Get some research into you. Or can’t you read, I guess that would be someone else’s fault If you can’t. Man up pussy and take responsibly. Best remind me what social support was around in past….
If only they'd taken this stance with Ben Cousins instead of shitting on him every chance they get to get a story instead of making change to the system to help these blokes. Drugs are the plague of our generation and it is so unfortunate that it has such a tight grip on people.
So if I get the sack and start dealing kilos of drugs I can blame it on my boss for not helping me transition?
Yes...
What you got ?
@@ajoseajose9297 😂 😂 😂 😂
Did you perform your job every day in front of tens of thousands of people and open to public scrutiny, if so then at least your argument is on a level playing field, otherwise your arguing apples and oranges
@@wayneperry7413 so politicians and everyone in the public eye need the same treatment
I can't help but wonder if it's actually going to get worse in the future. I got interested in footy just as the game was turning professional and the money players got paid then was peanuts in comparison to now,but I think those players understood what it was like for people living on Struggle Street. These days 18 year old kids get drafted and walk into six figure salaries for as long as they're in the AFL system. Then add on that they're given celebrity status because of their ability to kick a footy. Maybe the best thing clubs can do for their players wellbeing in the future is to get them involved in their communities rather than living inside the AFL player bubble.
how much more can you silver spoon these players
This is not just an AFL problem unfortunately drugs are very much part of today’s society.
If Sam Fisher is a drug trafficker then throw the book at him,
Nothing will destroy a man more than a woman.
What a copout. Sam is a grown adult and has made the wrong choices. Apparently the answer is to blame the system? What about all the people that have been hurt in the wake of his life decisions? If some time in the slammer isn't a wake up call then he's too far gone. Encourage taking responsibility for one's actions, not always looking for a scapegoat.
@undeadkid101 101 Speaking like someone trying to defend a friend there, chief. If that's rally what you think about this particular situation then you are part of the problem and should be ashamed. I am referring specifically to this case in point and if you are doing the same then I don't know what to say to you.
Sure, the AFL could be doing more to help players transitioning out of the game but this happens to many, many people and when this guy chooses to take the path of crime why are you so quick to blame the system? For all we know he could've been offered other opportunities and chose to go a different route.
He is one of only a handful of players who have turned to crime after footy with the vast, vast majority not choosing this path. If you were referring to players that couldn't make a good living for themselves after their playing careers then your point is an obvious one but criminal activity is another thing entirely.
@undeadkid101 101 We're all sitting in the cheap seats. Nobody says the AFL can't do a better job at taking care of players post-career. It is simply a matter that in the context of this particular incident and conversation it is irresponsible to immediately jump to justification for criminal behavior. That is all.
Try saying to his family and close friends that "stuff happens". Try saying "stuff happens" to the families of people he supplied thereby enabling a harmful and potentially fatal habit. There are no winners here. Just a guy who made the wrong choices and now has to pay the price.
Have a good one
Didn't hear one comment about the lives drug dealers completely destroy of the loved ones of an addict that get totally hi jacked emotionally and financially supporting a loved one on drugs .
Fisher made a choice, pay the price now , simple as that .
I lived five yrs supporting my son who made the wrong choice (drugs) .
Zero sympathy for parasite dealers , enjoy your porridge
Tl;dr If there's ways to stop a future Sam Fisher, why not at least try?
The lack of empathy and will to make things better in the comments is so disappointing. The average AFL career is 2-3 years. The top 9% able to play 150+ games grow up from 17-18 in a bizarre bubble where they're paid a fortune, but work a 24/7 job where their every move is scrutinised by media and fans. Then one day they (or their club) realise their body can't take the demands of their job and they're thrown into the real world in their late-20s/early-30s. No one is comparing their plight to someone starving in Africa, but it's still a challenge that some aren't adapting too.
Training a couple of days a week and playing sport is 24/7 work now?
Sign me up.
I'm gonna blame my old mining employer because I used to blow all money partying when I was off work
One. Sam’s a grown up who made grown up choices. He has to take responsibility for the consequences of his choices. Two. What more could you have done? You are in no way responsible for the independent choices a grown up makes, unless you believe you have an authoritarian role in his life. Could you have advised him more firmly? More comprehensively? An adult will make the choices he believes are in his best interests. If he can’t make the right moral choice, he’s not going to listen to advice. At some stage a person has to stand up and take personal responsibility.
Most people dream of the life Sam had, he deserves absolutely no sympathy.
I will admit that it isn't easy for a player to just go back into normal jobs in the sense that there is a stigma from going from being famous to just being a regular joe doing a regular job with regular pay, aka, "hey I know him! he used to be famous and now he's working here, ha!"... and if you're struggling with money it would be less likely that they'd have the strength to ask for help like the rest of us regular people. So from a mental health issue, it can push players to take shortcuts to avoid that in order to live as they did when they were in the spotlight. However, there are ways around this. Players earn a lot per year, and they need to have the foresight to save some of it for the later years, so they can fund a transition, a business venture, invest, and/or move to a place where they would be less well known (but then again not everyone can leave their family and friends and the place they love). But personal responsibility matters, and that's why there are these laws there in the first place, because the law recognizes that personal responsibility comes first, otherwise people who break the law wouldn't be jailed. And it wasn't like he was a drug user with an issue - he was engaging in drug trafficking which everyone knows is against the law. Basically if you do the time, you do the crime, that's the risk you take, and in this case it didn't pay off for him.
I don't understand what he's asking for? There's no support for a trade or office worker who get involved in this stuff. Improved programs and psychs is a start but it requires the player to want help. They aren't military vets with ptsd, they are privileged to earn that much money at that age.
What a ignorant comment!
AFL clubs do the MOST to ensure players are on the right track. Putting players through uni, trades, giving them jobs at the club post footy in coaching, media, scouting etc. Ridiculous position to have from nick reiwoldt
Sam Fisher would have earned enough through his career to buy a nice house car and then have truck loads left after. If you wanna fix the problem put the draft age upto to 21 make them finish a uni degree or tafe course 1st. They would then have a qualification after footy and also not having to deal with the stress of AFL at such a young age. doing this would hopefully allow older players a few more years as well.
Do you really think it's that easy to go from being famous, well-paid and having the nation watching you to being a regular joe in a regular job? It's not easy. It's easy for us because we slip into those jobs unknown and aren't coming from a more well-off state, whereas they'd be seen as downgrading and thus have a fear of being mocked. Some perspective needs to be had here. But yes, foresight for the end of their career and funding that moment with some of their money (like super) would be the ideal way to plan ahead.
The afl also needs to take responsibility for there rubbish of a drug policies
I reckon Gary needs to be drug tested for wearing that jacket.
Should have gone the white shirt haha
If I was Riewoldt and St Kilda, I'd be happy that Fisher is in jail and not in a shallow grave in a suburban backyard
@undeadkid101 101 haha, yep! You got one thing right this year!
Welcome to the real world. It can be tough out here.
Life can be stressful for everyone. And often it has nothing to do with money. You can just be unlucky.
i'm i in FULL AGREEMENT with Nick!!
Time, money, little appreciation for what real life looks like post football.
What does that mean; quarantine part of the footballers salary over their playing career and it gets drip fed back to them post retirement? Or part of the players wage agreement is setting up a fund to cover university or trade training for players?
Champion what (cause) Nick????
"Don't do drugs, don't TRAFFIC drugs"?
It's 2022....
You fucking serious mate?!?!?!?
Don’t swear
Or lift your arms…
A lot of people in the comments with zero idea of what an ex professional sportsman/sportswoman goes through mentally once their career/identity is over. The theme of “get over it” unfortunately doesn’t work , never has - never will. The life of a professional sportsman is something completely foreign to the majority of society and normal life is completely foreign to a professional sportsman and that culture shock is proving too much.
Don't care, when you earn that sort of money when you are young, if you are then stupid enough to do this, what do you think the hard working public who get up every day to do a job they hate for little money is going to think?
Oh poor guy that never worked a real job but has more money than me had a hard time, oh poor baby.
Fark em.
@@falconmclenny7284 enjoy work today mate.
@@npd6225 it's funny because you think I'm broke.
No. I just earn my money, I don't kick a ball then play victim
@@falconmclenny7284 where did I say you were broke? 😂
Well these people have to get a real job
The individual players make their own moral choices. They are the ones who need to take responsibility for what they do.
What drugs do to a community, a neighbourhood and family is pure destruction.. Sam Fisher deserves what's coming to him. Stop feeling sorry for people like him. We are all responsible for our own actions.
Nick's over the top. You can't lump it all on the AFL or AFLPA. Personal responsibility is a factor. He may have enjoyed that life. The issue is far more complex than what Nick makes.
Drugs are not the problem it is the means that allows an individual to fall into this world that is the problem a little bit of honesty would be a good start
That's the trouble with Society now, it's always someone else's fault. He went down that street, now he'll pay the cost. Blame lays squarely with Fisher, so grow up Riewoldt!!
1. AFL needs to be rebranded as an opportunity and not a career. A career implies that its going to be long-lasting and somewhat successful. For some the opportunity may last 300 games and 15 years...others it may last 3 years depending on circumstance (injury/talent etc). There needs to be more emphasis on life after football and players passions within the wider community because a lot of these past players are lost souls as football has been their life since they were teenagers being groomed to play at state level and then into the draft.
Unless you are one of the few who make it into coaching or commentary, the chances are you will be back working a normal 9-5 job that you may not like and life may seem dull and lifeless. Imagine coming from playing at crowds of 75,000 every weekend to then being cut and not knowing what to do with your life. The highest highs every weekend and the adrenaline in front of crowds and then everything seems so dull when that isn't occurring.
2. Player's need to be held accountable for their actions. Let's face it once you get over the age of 21 and mature...you know right from wrong and in this instance Sam Fisher decided to do this, it has nothing to do with AFL. It's a totally different scenario from being a past player who is lost in life and needs direction and to find another passion....and then there is just being a plain criminal and trying to outsmart the law. Players know right from wrong regardless of who they are, and if they commit a crime, they should be looked at just like any other civilian, rather than a glorified sportsman.
It’s a small majority of players really, like with any work industries ya gonna have that small percentage that make the wrong choices,going to prison will probably help turn his life around and he will be surrounded by people that can guide him down the right path.
Take responsibility for your own choices.
The concessions and opportunities these people are afforded...... Because they can kick around a piece of leather.
Perfect comment
All the resources around players and once they step out of line - it's the leagues fault.
The more we continue to side-step the facts, the more convoluted the 'facts' become..
If your on $40,000 a year? You're in the top 1petcent richest on planet earth.. footballer's earn that in a month.. enough said...
Life [and our choices] can take us in directions we never think is possible ~ "For better and for worse" 😐
when high profile people can talk and take responsibility, maybe this will filter through to society. Not enough companies can look after their employees
Some individuals are always going to choose a path of destruction and it’s very hard to combat. Look at Ben cousins, great family, career, marketability, skill and still chose a path. I think it is a multi tiered issue, Government, AFL, individual and society.
They haven’t played together for nearly 10 years; surely Nick Riewoldt has nothing to do with the problems facing Sam Fisher
The players live in a bubble removing them from the real world. The players bargaining agreement restricts them from getting into the real world by only allowing them a handful of hours a year in community. How hard would it be for every player to give 8 hours a week out in schools, visiting and “working” in homes and hospitals etc. Great for the players to actually touch the real world, great for the community and a great way to grow new supporters of our game.
The Football machine fosters the Fischer’s and Cousins of this World and ignores their associations and behaviours in the Goal of winning!
Nick Reiwaldt has a career in politics I tell ya
Pull up a second it’s no one’s fault or responsibility except Fishers , he chose to fck his life up .
If the AFLPA was fair dinkum they would stop trying to get massive increases in the cap that flows directly to the top 5% of players they would focus more on getting services and education in place for players. While the system is far from perfect the USA model of 3 years of college prior to turning pro which gave a lot an education is a smart thing. Senior footy should be restricted to over 22 years old clubs draft players from 18 and for 4 years they play 2nds footy while they also get educated and a career.
Allow the 18 - 22 to play no more than 6 senior games a year as development players if other are injured. Problem solved
Good to see you putting your hand up to house and pay for his rehab nick or is it a bad enough problem but not bad enough for you to help out
No blame on employer here. This guy is simply a spoilt fool and in the process of becoming a criminal. Absolutely deserves no pity .
Drugs/Alcohol/Gambling let’s glamorous it more society!
Always was always will
Let’s disregard the families of the people receiving the drugs he’s transported…..the violence, stealing to fund habits, and the seedy underworld Sam would no doubt have immersed himself in……that’s not the piint is it Nick…….its all about a priviledged guy who had every opportunity and many years and made terrible choices…..he is at fault. Take responsibility for your actions…..he’s an adult. I’ll be worrying about the victims of his crimes before i worry for a guy who had it all and many forks in the road and HE chose to go down this sordid path. When you move from using to dealing and transportation you have jumped the shark. He’s nearly 40 for heaven’s sake…..grow up! The AFL clubs are not to blame.
I'd dare say there's thousands more in general public in the same position as a few ex-footballers, that lose their lives to drugs. Doesn't mean the AFL needs to give support to players just because they've lost their jobs. Maybe personal responsibility and a bit of foresight knowing they're in a career with a definitive expiry date. The more pressing issue is how do parents of budding players (and the AFL during their career) raise level headed ppl who don't lose themselves mentally within the celebrity lifestyle of football. I would guess other entertainment professions have similar issues, from rock stars to sports stars etc. How do they cope with what would feel like an empty mundane life after years being pampered in the spotlight? Or there's just some ppl in society that are much more susceptible to addictions and Sam Fisher found himself in one of the worse professions as someone who was probably already susceptible.
Yes I feel like this is true of everyone not just retired AFL footballers. Especially nowadays very few people have a job for life. Most of us find ourselves feeling lost and wondering what we’ll do next. And we don’t have any AFL community to provide at least some small assistance we have to struggle on our own with the support of friends and family
@@daphatkat Well said.
It's not the AFLS problem. He brought it until himself. He was drug dealing🤔
Damn
Wow how about people talk about our veterans who can't transition into civvy life hence suicide rate is high don't really hear much of suicide rate of AFL players
Players should be encouraged to undertake study (or work) in a secondary career while playing. They have too much time and money on their hands.
Not that long ago footy was there second career,,,now its $$$$$
Go back to the old VFL model being part time and work as well?
I'm glad everyone cares about celebrities, sportsman and politicians.. wish the people were showed the same respect, considering we fund all above mentioned occupations..
What rubbish any one dealing in drugs deserves full force of the law why blame clubs it's rubbish all kids are taught about drugs and the repercussions. Be a man cop your punishment like a man stop dropping blame on some afl system. It's the individuals choice. That simple
BLA BLA BLA .
Save your pay...its not what you make its what you spend...educate them to invest their money. Educate them about gambling and parties....drugs etc. What do they say? Footy is not a career....how many pro footballers think strategically??
As long as the AFL continues to milk the families of problem gamblers, then all is well.
"A person's life is ruined because of this".... are you serious roo? How many peoples lives have been and are continuing to be ruined because he was selling drugs on a large commercial scale probably for a long time. Clueless take
I find it a lil dumb that Brown talks about life after football and making money in a normal job. Being on TV talking about football instead of playing isn't too much of a change. Sure he's only getting like minimum wage 🤣
Get a real job first