Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien has dropped a bombshell this morning, telling media that he's suffering depression, battling suicidal thoughts, and grappling with "a very complicated history of sexual abuse".
The 26-year-old also said he had witnessed a murder, but can't go to police because of fears for his own life.
O'Brien gave reporters a hell of a lot more than they bargained for when he returned to training after a dispute with coach Nathan Buckley, and now the Melbourne media is scrambling to pick up the pieces, with Premier Denis Napthine urging the public to support the player.
"I give him my personal support," Napthine said, "my personal arm around his shoulders, literally, so that he can deal with those issues and come out a better person."
O'Brien's spat with Buckley started when the coach asked the player if he was okay with a teammate with short hair, Paul Seedsman, being referred to as 'Lez' in a meeting. O'Brien, known for his stance on social issues, didn't take offence to the nickname, but was offended by the implication that he would be precious enough to do so.
Somehow, that relatively minor blow-up led to this morning's brave revelations.
"I'm going through a tough time at the moment," O'Brien told the media. "And I'd just ask you guys for your sensitivities to that. I'm going through a history... of things for a long time, including a long and very complicated history of sexual abuse, suicide, depression, seeing someone get murdered, knowing who murdered that person and not being able to say anything, knowing that person will probably murder you. When the time comes, right, I will open up about these issues."
O'Brien said he had received support from the club, but that it would take time to face his demons.
"This is my personal experience and I have to do this in the public eye, and it's really tough. So if you guys can just give me a bit of space because I'm going through some real stuff here, real stuff. And it's really tough. Really tough stuff... the issue or whatever you guys have been reporting, that's secondary — this is my real stuff, you know?"
Radio presenter Neil Mitchell, known for his sensitivity, has told listeners that Premier Napthine's stance is "wrong", and that media commentators "can't be blamed" for critical comments made about O'Brien before this morning's developments.
"The fact was, there was a disagreement with the club which people were analysing, looking at, criticising... and that's fair enough," Mitchell said, "until you find out what Harry has said today, at which stage of course you back off.
"Nobody is on his back, nobody has got anything other than goodwill for a man in this situation. People can't be blamed for what happened 48 hours ago in ignorance."
The Mitchell program's resident psychological expert, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, said this morning that O'Brien should be stood down. Naturally, O'Brien has not actually consulted Dr Carr-Gregg for his opinion.
"I believe that he should probably be stood down," Dr Carr-Gregg said, "he should have a period of treatment and then perhaps once he's better, he should in fact resume training and playing ... It seems to me that things are getting a little bit out of control with him. The less stress he's under, the better."
If you're dealing with some real stuff of your own, call Lifeline's 24hr crisis telephone line on 131 114 or Beyondblue on 1300 224 636. You can also visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au.
