Veteran AFL columnist Caroline Wilson criticized Jordan De Goey’s decision to reveal his diagnosis of ADHD in a statement apologizing for his ridiculousness in Bali.
After a week of intense media scrutiny, De Goey reported his situation in a joint statement with Collingwood where he was fined $ 25,000 with suspension.
Wilson said the 26-year-old was “adamant” that ADHD was mentioned in the statement and wondered why he had now chosen to disclose his condition.
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“No one doubts that Jordan de Goi has ADHD and has been treated for it,” he told Nine’s. Footy Classified.
“I’m disappointed that he chose to put it in this particular statement. Honestly, I had a bunch of players who referred to their mental health problems every time they had problems.
“I do not deny that mental health does not play a huge role in these situations. I’m just saying it again, a lot of people who sit at home and have much worse mental health problems look at privileged men who play football.
“Yes, it is a lot of pressure, yes it is difficult, but I think he made a very bad decision to do what he did, given that he knows the problems he has with ADHD.
“It does not mean that I do not take him seriously with his problems, I think it was the wrong day to make this information public.”
Wilson was not the only media executive to criticize De Goey for his choice, with 3AW radio host Neil Mitchell also challenging the decision.
“I do not dispute De Goey’s diagnosis, this is a personal matter. But is it an excuse? Is it a legal excuse?” Mitchell asked.
“It can not be good for every AFL player in trouble to say, ‘Oh, my dear, I have this mental health condition.’
Wilson’s comments came after Collingwood granted De Goey personal leave, with the club confirming they would miss Sunday’s clash with the GWS Giants.
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Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, who has spoken to De Goey in person since returning home from Bali, has been criticized by Mitchell.
“You met a man who came out and said he had a mental illness that he had been hospitalized for a long time,” McGuire told Mitchell in a warm back-and-forth at 3AW on Thursday morning.
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“(I gave) the most polite reviews last night, but you’re glad you came here when you know a child has mental health problems.
“You know the media do that, the stacks, you know there were people who committed suicide in the backs of people who were just being pushed too far into these situations.”
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