Drugs in the AFL....?

Question

If we look at the wider community then we will realise that drugs are an increasing culture among younger people.

I, along with many others, have been out and about and seen an AFL player or two, in smaller venues, and would have to say they appeared to be on some sort of drugs. So what?

Everyone knows that you can walk into club after club in the city these days, and find hundreds of young people on drugs. I would say the percentage of AFL players that use drugs would be much much lower than in the wider community.

I think people can bury their heads in the sand about young people in general, but really just want to name famous people as drug users because it is easier than addressing the real problem.

Just thought i would vent as i think its such a stupid thing for people to do.

Also, why do people think that because somebody is famous, they have no right to have medical records kept private? I think this is something everyone should be entitled to.

Answer 1

I agree but in the end if they hadn’t tested positive to drugs none of this would of happened in the first place. They do deserve doctor patient confidentiality just like everyone else but why put yourself in that situation when you are well known for playing football.

If you can’t stop football players taking drugs when there are big consequences there is no hope for the many young people out there taking drugs.

Footballers are role models to many children. These kids would be heart broken if they found out that their hero was taking drugs. I know I was and im not a kid anymore!!

Everyone is criticising hawthorn but people need to realise that it could have happened to any club as hawthorn would definitely not be the only club with players using drugs. Also there would be many players who are taking drugs that haven't got caught yet and I really hope they think twice before being so stupid again.

Answer 2

You're right nobody has the right to view any ones medical records. I wish the footy could go back to how it was in the 80's. They are never going to get rid of drugs in the AFL sad but hey the world aint that perfect at the moment.

Answer 3

Too right. The players shouldnt be named to the public anyway, just to their club officals like their coach and doctor. People are putting all this focus on drugs in sport and Ben Cousins and those other players, when they should be focusing on the community. Players on drugs shouldn't be blamed more than normal people. The footballers are exposed to enormous pressures from us. Everyday people are watching them waiting for them to slip up. The media is trying so hard to tell the public about private records and drug use, whilst ignoring the real problem. It's the public the media should be talking about. Drugs are available everywhere. If a dealer sees someone famous, of course they are going to offer them, they have money. People should be looking at the wider community and their drug use, rather than blaming it on Ben Cousins. He isnt the first person on drugs. These people are part of the communtiy and thats how it should be seen.  A community problem, not a sporting one.