Updated: Bailey Smith released a statement on Saturday amid Western Bulldogs’ investigation into a video and a series of images of the young star circulating on social media.
Smith, who is serving a suspension for hitting an opponent on the head, appears to be holding a white dust bag in one of the images.
“I was recently informed of the presence of content on social media that shows me with an illicit substance,” Smith said in the statement.
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Bailey Smith has released a statement amid Western Bulldogs’ investigation into a series of images of the young star circulating on social media. (Instagram)
“In dealing with this, the temptation is to speak with vague generalities and avoid the subject.
“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 that at the end of 2021 I suffered from behaviors of which I am deeply ashamed. I have no excuse for these behaviors, but the state of my mental health during this post-adult period. .The final deteriorated drastically and I got out of control and caused me to make bad decisions and actions at the time, all of which resulted in the abandonment I took of football at the start of preseason training in late last year.
“The depth of my emotions during this period, along with some of my behaviors, have reminded me that, as a person, I am still very much in the process.
“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 made mistakes. I am very aware of it, and I am totally aware of it.
“I wholeheartedly apologize to my family, my teammates, my club and its sponsors, the AFL, my fans and my sponsors.
“I’ve made mistakes, but I decide to learn from each other and do my best not to disappoint myself and those around me.”
Smith’s statement was followed by a press release issued by the Bulldogs.
“Western Bulldogs are aware of Bailey Smith’s images circulating on social media,” the club’s statement said.
“The club is investigating the legitimacy of these images and is not in a position to comment further at this time.”
Western Bulldogs youngster Bailey Smith is comforted by Geelong’s Zach Tuohy. (Getty)
The AFL Players Association has also released a statement, attributed to CEO Paul Marsh.
“The AFL Players’ Association points out the problem that has arisen today involving Bailey Smith,” the statement said.
“Bailey is a young man who has made a mistake, but it is important that he has taken hold of this mistake and, more importantly, has put in place measures to learn from him and grow as a person as a result.
“The AFL environment is high pressure and high profile and Bailey has previously shared his battles with mental health.
“When problems like this arise, there are usually two alternative approaches that people think should be taken.
“Condemning, sanctioning and embarrassing the player involved or supporting, educating and trying to use the issue as an opportunity for growth.
“The AFLPA will support Bailey during this time and we are confident that the Western Bulldogs will do the same.”
Smith, who is one of the most popular young players in the AFL, has been linked to several off-field controversies over the past 12 months.
He opened the toll that his popularity has meant, revealing that he had even been offered $ 50,000 to sleep with someone.
A false image of her “naked” began circulating in the days leading up to last year’s grand finale.
The 21-year-old was granted a leave of absence from the club last December for personal reasons, before returning to pre-season.
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