Social Media is the enemy for all players these days and unfortunately many seem to struggle with it and to realise the potential ramifications of it both in reputation and potential financial benefits (sponsors etc.)
Whether it be them posting when drunk, posting wrongly, illegally posting, maybe someone else posting who has seen them in a compromising situation, or someone who thinks they need to be ‘outed’, for what is perceived as inappropriate behaviour whether it be the person offended, or someone else. It’s just BS to put yourself in that position to be exploited.
Until recently, we never had social media, so very few incidents were ever reported (and there would have been heaps) and most of the Top 200 players are earning way in excess of the average salary, so is it the ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’?
Maybe!
However, the players need to know that they are in the Spotlight 24/7 and there will always be someone looking for an opportunity to be famous and ‘take a shot’ , let alone they take their own shots.
Education is the key, however it rarely works when it’s alcohol (or drug) infused and that can change the entire mood or confidence in posting or behaviour.
I admit I have been ‘Guilty your Honour’ when I was their age for alcohol at 21, but not drugs.
Yes, drunk and disorderly at 21 years of age! It was my 21st birthday and for whatever reason after a huge skull, I decided to take the dare of mates and run up Mona Vale Road naked (in the 70’s) to see how far I could get without being caught. I was a rugby player at the time and we were in season and I think I got up to about Powderworks Rd, with cars following and horns blazing, before the cops stopped me. They must have been coming the other way, as it was late at night and they couldn’t have passed going up the hill on double yellow lines.
Unfortunately I can’t remember too much of it, as I think I was almost paralytic for the last 2km and just stumbling. So, yes, we can all do stupid things.
The players are celebrities in reality and role models for kids, and they are privileged to be earning what they are. While I wasn’t a celebrity of any note as the players are today, it would have been front page.
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