Simon Goodwin on gambling.

[Alex99]

Mike Sheahan has written a fantastic article today talking about the demons surrounding Simon Goodwin and his gambling addiction.


Simon Goodwin: I gambled with my life

Mike Sheahan

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23260988-11088,00.html

February 23, 2008 12:00am

IN FOOTBALL terms, Simon Goodwin was sitting under the high, swirling ball, knowing the pack would arrive at the same time and send him into a spin.

It was just before dawn in Adelaide on Sunday, February 18, 2007, and he couldn't sleep.

He knew a bomb was about to drop. On him. That his dark secret was about to become national news.

The bomb duly landed in the form of a front-page declaration in Adelaide's Sunday Mail that the Crows star had been "Busted".

"AFL scandal engulfs footy," said the strapline; "Goodwin bet on games," said the kicker.

One of South Australia's sporting heroes, a four-time All-Australian, was the biggest name among the four AFL players cited for betting on games against the rules.

Embarrassing? "Absolutely. Probably the most embarrassing moment of my life," Goodwin told the Herald Sun this week.

"I remember waking up at five o'clock that morning and the paper hadn't arrived yet.

"I was just laying on the loungeroom floor waiting for the bang.

"It landed and I went out and got the paper, opened it up and thought, 'Ouch'.

"We had word it was going to be front page."

He had no problem with the treatment of the story.

"It was a good story for the paper. Anything to do with the AFL sells papers, especially in Adelaide," he said.

"The toughest thing was I couldn't speak because I was still under investigation at the time.

"I couldn't come out and just front up to it and say, 'Yep, I need some rehabilitation, and I've obviously let everyone down, my family, my friends and teammates'.

"Yeah, I did (let teammates down). I broke their trust.

"They trusted me with a leadership position to do the right thing.

"I let them down, not through wanting to, but through my disease. I let them down badly."

Goodwin addressed the player group the following night, which he described as "one of the hardest things I've ever had to do".

"I wanted to do that. I felt it was important to give my story to them, how I felt and what I was going to do about it. That was the most important thing," he said.

"The only way I was going to build that trust up again was to show them I was keen to do something about it.

"It was a tough time, a very tough time for not only myself but obviously family and friends.

"I was very fortunate I got into a rehabilitation program that was pretty intense, and I had the love and support of my parents and the support of the club and my teammates.

"The club made some pretty big concessions for me."

Goodwin would do his training from as early as 6am most days to be free to start rehab across town at GATS Counselling and Treatment Services by nine o'clock.

The only interruption to the rehab program was the club's main training session each week. It's worth remembering his treatment coincided with the NAB Cup competition and the first four rounds of the premiership season.

"The club was terrific. They said, 'We need to get you right first and foremost, we will build training around that'," he said.

"I was very fortunate. Neil Craig (coach), Steven Trigg (chief executive) and John Reid (general manager of football operations) were very understanding."

Goodwin is unsure when his passion for sport and his interest in punting first became such a toxic cocktail.

He can remember going to the races with his father Terry, a former South Adelaide footballer, as a boy.

"I was going to the track with my old man when I was six or seven. Not every week, but if there was nothing on or the cricket got washed out, we'd go down the track.

"He'd say, 'What number do you like?' and I'd have 50 cents each way, just like lots of kids did.

"From that moment on, I always had a keen interest in racing. By the time I got to high school, I was running sweeps on the Melbourne Cup.

"Ninety per cent of the population can have a bet and be satisfied with that. At some stage in my life, something went 'click' in my brain, which is called addiction, and you're in. You can't help yourself, you're in for the long haul.

"I can't remember the 'click' but I can remember the last 6-12 months (before he was caught) asking myself, 'What am I doing?', then doing it again and thinking, 'Why can't I stop?' "

He declined to talk about the size of his usual bets. Suffice to say they were measured in hundreds.

He said betting never compromised his football, conceding, though, his state of mind before a game was influenced by his success on the punt earlier in the day or that week.

"Quite often, I'd rock up to a game a little bit down," Goodwin said. "I'd be still thinking about it after a game instead of thinking about the game.

"Now I think about my performance and how I can get better and how I can be a better leader.

"I look back now and say to myself, 'Imagine if I wasn't punting and was focusing more on my footy?', what sort of impact I might have had for the team and my own career.

"It definitely was a distraction, there's no doubt about that."

He is appreciative of his time in rehab and the life lessons he learned.

"I was in with addicts of all types, not just gambling: alcoholics, drug addicts, sex addicts, food addicts, you name it," he said.

"Within three or four days, I felt comfortable in the room. I felt I could trust the people. We were all as dysfunctional as each other.

"No one sat in judgment on anyone. That's the really powerful thing about rehabilitation; you're there to help each other, support each other.

"People knew who I was. They would ask me at lunch, 'How's the footy going? What's happening this week?'

"I was also able to trust them in that the information I shared in the rehabilitation process wasn't going to be spoken about outside or in the media.

"Obviously, you give information in those rooms which is very personal. You talk about your family history, the trauma you suffered as a child, at school.

"It was difficult, very awkward, that first day. I remember thinking, 'This is going to be ridiculous with my sort of profile in South Australia', but it wasn't."

Goodwin said the AFL could have handled the gambling episode better, particularly the disclosure of the investigation that led to the initial publicity.

"I think everyone in the AFL knew that people (in football) had been punting for a long time. People within footy clubs, players. The harsh thing was we were the first ones to be pulled up on it," he said.

"We were under investigation and, all of a sudden, she was in the media.

"It dragged on for a long time, from the time it broke 'til the time the result was given, three weeks.

"The worst thing was that people close to me were suffering the consequences as well.

"(My wife) Maggie knew that I had a problem, but I don't think she knew the extent of it, either.

"As an addict, it was all about the rush. Having a good night out on the town with the boys. It was the only time I was sort of happy.

"I've had to go back and learn to really enjoy the simple things in life again.

"Like going out to tea with your wife or taking the kids to the park or going for a walk down the beach; going and having a cup of coffee and reading the paper."

He says he initially tossed the form guide away as soon as he picked up a paper. Now, he calmly turns the pages.

"The first spring carnival was hard. That got me a bit uptight. Everyone was talking about it, particularly here at the hotel."

We are at the Alma Hotel in Norwood, one of three hotels in SA in which he and close friend and former teammate Mark Ricciuto are part of the ownership group.

"It's getting a lot easier now, but I've got to keep up with my rehabilitation because if you slip back, you go back pretty hard," he said.

"I just hope that I can help people that are suffering addiction. It's a terrible disease. People don't deliberately go out and do these things . . . they can't help themselves.

"I didn't want to be someone who finished footy with nothing. You work too hard."

After the initial embarrassment, he says it was a huge relief to have the problem out in the open.

"You're thinking, 'I can't do this on my own, I can't say I've got a problem, I'd be a weak p---k'; that's the way males have been brought up."

Goodwin said his club in general and players Brett Burton and Ricciuto had provided great support, as had the AFL Players' Association, principally Brendon Gale and Matt Finnis.

Oddly, no one from the AFL administration bothered to inquire.

Odd when Andrew Demetriou and Adrian Anderson both flew to Perth to meet Ben Cousins.

Goodwin said he felt for his colleagues in the betting scandal: Daniel Ward (Melbourne), David Hale (Kangaroos) and Kieren Jack (Sydney).

"Everyone knows we're not the only four players to ever have a bet on a football game," Goodwin said.

"It was just sad for a guy like Kieren Jack to be put through the scrutiny he was put through for a $5 bet."

Goodwin said betting in football no longer is an issue.

"Not any more. I think it was very innocent, anyway. It certainly wasn't match-fixing. I think they've made a stand they're not going to put up with any of it, and I agree," he said.

"I just would have preferred a better process, that's all. I can't complain too much. If someone had come to me while I was sitting on the end of my bed and said, 'Here's the chance to get rid of all your issues, make you give up for life, pay us 20 grand', I would have grabbed the cheque book and signed there and then.

"The first thing I learned in rehabilitation is that I had no control. Addicts don't have control of what they're doing, or the consequences.

"I've had to learn to enjoy sport without having to have a bet on it. It's been a good learning curve for me.

"After the first 3-4 days, I couldn't wait to go back. To get in there to see the people I was going through with and to see how they coped with the night before.

"It was a really rewarding process for me personally. I think I grew a lot out of it as a person.

"The hardest thing about being an outpatient was three o'clock, and you knock off and you're back in the real world.

"The sessions brought up a lot of emotions. Some days, I'd come home and I'd be stuffed.

"I remember being at one main training session and just not wanting to be there.

"It had been a really emotional day for me.

"I think I've become a much better father, a better husband, a better son, a better person in the family.

"My wife says it's like chalk and cheese. I was uptight, moody, really moody, didn't have much time for anyone; she'd talk and I'd be on another planet.

"Now I'm more in tune with other people's feelings; happy to go to the park with the kids."

Goodwin said he would happily talk about his battle to fellow players, as does former Melbourne key forward David Schwarz, a reformed problem gambler.

"David talks at the draftees' camp and all the young blokes talk about it later," he said.

"I just want to tell people, if you're sitting at home and you think you might have a problem, even if it's not hurting you financially, but you're emotionally troubled by it, go and get some help."

He said his crisis helped him better understand Ben Cousins and maybe even Wayne Carey.

"People just don't understand addiction. The two biggest issues facing society today are obesity and addiction," he said.

"The message has to be sold -- these people aren't trying to be bad, they just need help.

"We suffer the same disease, his (Cousins) consequences were far greater than mine, that's all.

"Eighteen months ago, I would have thought like probably everybody else in society and said, 'This bloke; he's r----d.

"Now I know better. I suffer from addiction, I don't suffer from gambling.

"My choice could have been anything, from alcohol, to sex, to drugs, to love, to gambling.

Goodwin said Cousins' situation was "so sad". "One day, I'd really like to catch up with him," he said.

He has already sent a text message to Carey, a former teammate, saying: "Don't be afraid to give me a call."

That's the more rounded Goodwin.

Mike may not be everyone favourite journalist but today’s article with Simon Goodwin was fantastic. It was good because he told the players story without the need to chuck any cheap shot in (like Mr Magoo at the tiser) or one or two line bagging of the club.

Now Clinton Grybus is no longer with us, he is the best non football personality in the game. Brilliant stuff Mike.

 

[Mad Dog]

Good luck to the Goodies - it's a tough thing to get through....

The article was accompanied by a picture of the family including young Eddie.........Looks to be a bit of a long term project player at this stage

 

[Alex99]

Good luck to the Goodies - it's a tough thing to get through....

The article was accompanied by a picture of the family including young Eddie.........Looks to be a bit of a long term project player at this stage

If you feel the need to remove it for any reason – go ahead.

 

[jenny61_99]

What a wonderful article. Handled with care and taking the minimalist approach... well done Mike! And well done Simon for having the courage to openly discuss such a private issue.

 

[Eastern Crow]

great interview from the skipper

honest on and off the field

 

[BockPorplyziaFC]

It was good to read Simon Goodwins thoughts on the situation, without the article twisting his statements and turning it into an opinion piece.

I think most people have moved on so not something he had to discuss so well done to him for openely talking about it.

 

[birdmanptr]

Does any one know why Rooch did not get this article

 

[Jerome]

Great story. Fantastic to see his family life and footy focus has improved.

It's also interesting to note that the story came from a Victorian writer. This happened a couple of times last year too. Can't blame the guys for not wanting to chat with the Tiser.

 

[Mad Dog]

Does any one know why Rooch did not get this article

possibly because it required a bit of research

 

[cammo84]

possibly because it required a bit of research

...and the slightest bit of class, and respect. 2 things Rucci has none of in relation to the crows.

 

[birdmanptr]

possibly because it required a bit of research

AHHHH Say no more

 

[IddyBiddy]

very good article. I think it will help a lot of people too.

 

[beartoo]

I was moved by this article. It's not easy to open up like that about a personal problem. The bloke's a legend. He didn't have to do it, and his motivation is to help others overcome the same problems.
An unusually good piece of journalism.

 

[Crow-mo]

1. I never saw any real problem with the scandal when it broke. there was no hint of corruption or anything like that, and it wasn't illiegal. he hadn't done anything "that" wrong.
2. See point 1. I still think that.
3. however does anyone else see the hypocrisy in the way we made him captain as a sign of support, and then got all high and mighty over other players minor indiscretions?

 

[jenny61_99]

1. I never saw any real problem with the scandal when it broke. there was no hint of corruption or anything like that, and it wasn't illiegal. he hadn't done anything "that" wrong.
2. See point 1. I still think that.
3. however does anyone else see the hypocrisy in the way we made him captain as a sign of support, and then got all high and mighty over other players minor indiscretions?

I have to admit I was surprised when he wasn't removed from the leadership group last year when this first broke. I think the difference with Simon is, he worked his butt off to right his wrong. The others were just pissed off that they'd been caught and punished and essentially behaved like spoilt brats ever since, whereas Goodie took it like a man, took responsibility, and openly apologised (and appeared to be sincere in that apology).

 

[Alex99]

3. however does anyone else see the hypocrisy in the way we made him captain as a sign of support, and then got all high and mighty over other players minor indiscretions?

I am not going to suggest that his gambling was a minor thing because it wasn’t but from my understanding from the moment he asked for help, he has continued to move forward with that help.

He identified he had a problem and sort help to rectify this problem. I don’t believe he was made captain as a sign of support but as a sign he was the best and most suitable candidate for the position, it was just a coincidence he was the player who had a gambling problem.

However if he was rewarded and given the position as captain as a sign of support I still don’t see that as being hypercritical as he hasn’t broken any new trust barriers. Something some of the player who left at the end of last season possibly may have done hence why they are no longer at the club.

I guess if he goes and gambles on a different sport or more importantly football then the club may be seen as being hypercritical in how they have acted over the last 7 or 8 months.

 

[srv23]

I agree that this is a great article and it's impressive to hear Goody talk about it so candidly.

I think there is a big difference between Goodwins issues and those of the other guys who were penalised through the year. Firstly Goodys problem was one of addiction which he has obviously seeked professional help to overcome. That's pretty different from not being able to stay off the grog midweek or breaking a recently set team curfew in a resolve to win a series of games to make the finals (unless there is an issue of alcoholism). He also didn't spit the dummy when he was penalised. He took his punishment and has since done evrything in his power to make up for his mistake/problem.

Still find it astounding the afl can severely penalise and hang out to dry guys with serious addiction problems like Goody and Cousins, but are happy to ignore guys who drink drive, get into bar brawls, get accused of sexual asault etc etc.

 

[Crow-mo]

I am not going to suggest that his gambling was a minor thing because it wasn’t but from my understanding from the moment he asked for help, he has continued to move forward with that help.

He identified he had a problem and sort help to rectify this problem. I don’t believe he was made captain as a sign of support but as a sign he was the best and most suitable candidate for the position, it was just a coincidence he was the player who had a gambling problem.

However if he was rewarded and given the position as captain as a sign of support I still don’t see that as being hypercritical as he hasn’t broken any new trust barriers. Something some of the player who left at the end of last season possibly may have done hence why they are no longer at the club.

I guess if he goes and gambles on a different sport or more importantly football then the club may be seen as being hypercritical in how they have acted over the last 7 or 8 months.

i'm sure that all sounds nice, but Goodwin was made captain for the next game after all this came out. it was a big two fingers up to the league - and much was made of that point. its a bit far fetched to say he was 'rehabilitated' in that time.

but again, I never had so much of a problem with what he did