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"It's over. It's all over." -
Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Bailey Smith
There's going to be a huge variety of takes on the drugz that are part of broader discussions. As it pertains to Bailey and our season, I'm
a) surprised that he would commit this moment to a photo. Who knows where his head was at to make that seem like a smart thing to do, maybe he was in a depressive phase, maybe it's part of a broader compulsion to share his life experiences for external affirmation, maybe it was sent to someone who he 100% trusted to keep it private. Whichever way you look at it, there is/was something going on for him personally.
b) worried for him given the scrutiny it will bring, he speaks openly about a fear of being judged. He'll cop all sorts on the field as well. Agree with GVG our primary concern should be for his welfare and making sure he has a good support network.
c) worried for the Club if (b) isn't handled right that we either won't get the best out of Bailey from here on in or he will choose to move somewhere else'And the Western suburbs erupt!'Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Bailey Smith
Bailey has made a statement
"I'll give him a hug before the first bounce and then I'll run into my pack and give them orders to rip him apart."Comment
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"It's over. It's all over."Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Bailey Smith
STATEMENT FROM WESTERN BULLDOGS CEO AMEET BAINS
We are extremely disappointed to have observed social media content showing Bailey Smith with an illicit substance.
This content was captured after the 2021 AFL season, while the players were on personal leave.
We absolutely do not condone our players being involved with illicit substances and firmly believe players are well-educated on what constitutes appropriate behaviour.
As a football club with significant influence, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest of standards, as we represent the community, our members and fans, our corporate partners and our other stakeholders.
Bailey is a young man who has faced many challenges and pressures off the field in recent times which he has spoken of extensively. He endured a particularly difficult time towards the end of last year that ultimately led to time away from football.
While this clearly does not excuse his behaviour, it is our responsibility as a Club to ensure we have supported, and we continue to support, Bailey’s health and wellbeing.
We are encouraged that this year, Bailey has successfully put steps in place to ensure he can manage his mental health and be strong in his decision-making, while being able to perform to the best of his ability on the field. This has been reflected in his strong on-field performances across the 2022 AFL season.
The Club has supported Bailey through this process, and we will continue to work closely with him and provide him the support he needs, as he continues his journey as a Bulldogs player.
The Club and the AFL Integrity Unit continue to investigate the emergence of the content on social media and the context surrounding it. An outcome of that investigation will be communicated in due course.
STATEMENT FROM BAILEY SMITH
I have recently been made aware of the presence of social media content that shows me with an illicit substance.
In confronting this, the temptation is to speak in vague generalities and avoid the issue. However, I am determined to learn the lessons of my past and be a better person in the future.
After much reflection, I am now in a position to confess to indulging in behaviours in late 2021 of which I am deeply ashamed. I do not have an excuse for those behaviours, however the state of my mental health over that period post Grand Final dramatically deteriorated, and I spiralled out of control leading to poor decision making and actions at the time. All of this resulting in the leave I took from football at the commencement of pre-season training late last year.
The depth of my emotions over that period, coupled with some of my behaviours, have reminded me that, as a person, I am still very much a work-in-progress.
I know I have obligations beyond myself, not just contractually – but in terms of the example I set through the decisions I make, and I will be better.
I have made mistakes. I am very aware of that, and I fully own it.
I unreservedly apologise to my family, my teammates, my club and its sponsors, the AFL, my supporters and my sponsors.
I have made mistakes, but I resolve to learn from each and to do all I can to avoid letting myself down, and those around me.FFC: Established 1883
Premierships: AFL 1954, 2016 VFA - 1898,99,1900, 1908, 1913, 1919-20, 1923-24, VFL: 2014, 2016 . Champions of Victoria 1924. AFLW - 2018.Comment
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Re: Welcome to the Bulldogs: Bailey Smith
Be so full circle if Morris was the one who leaked it.BT COME BACK!
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and he's gonna need support as it'll be a rough year from the crowd from here in for Bailey.
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