Are players at risk of losing everything...if they don't meet the public image set by the media and AFL?

Yes I agree, but at the end of the day the players are making these decisions and they know what they are doing, so they cannot blame the media for their off-field troubles. Players these days are under constant media scrutiny more then ever before, and I cannot imagine how hard it must be, but at the end of the day they make their own decisions and therefore must deal with the consequences and not play the blame game. The media does play a role, but I blame the players 100% if they make an error of judgement because at the end of the day we must each hold ourselves responsible if we screw up.

but thats 21st centry life, and it just would not change. I dont think that the media pushes these adults to their lows, but im sure that they do their head in sometimes so they might drink a bit more than they can swallow! but in the end, these guys are adults...no two ways about it. and wether its media or no media, they have to be responsible for what they do.

unfortunately thats the way things are now... and there's nothing we can really do to stop it. Why can't we give players some privacy? i mean, SO WHAT if Cousins took drugs. he didnt hurt anybody, did he? is it really ANY of our business what he does? OF COURSE not. its rediculous.

These days sports players are so much more highly regarded and seen as celebrities. Sports (especially afl) are just so popular these days, so obviously the blokes that make the game happen are regarded as popular by the public. The medias main purpose is to expose clubs & snatch stories. Mainly why players as you mentioned crack - they are continuously being followed by the media which can take its toll on them mentally, wanting to find a way out and thinking doing something reckless is the answer. News programs, newspapers, radio stations etc will do anything to find a good story and go to insane heights to do so (following players, waiting for them to come out of the house etc) and it really takes its toll on them - i do feel sorry for them. I think that if players dont meet the public image set by the media they are regarded as being contriversial and "bad boys". Its the media that really does affect a players reputation. Players that we dont see in the media too much probably arent as popular as the ones that do. Think about it.. who is more popular - Brendan Fevola or Darren Glass? One captains a club and one is just an average player..yet one has been involved with so much contriversy and one just keeps quiet? If you think about it the media really do increase the popularity for a player regardless if what they did was good or bad. Like how popular is ben cousins now? Sorry my answers are too long XD And im not sick and tired of you writing about the media, i think its great :D

Yes, and that's just how it is when you become either an elite player of AFL or a star of the AFL for whatever reason. Your right Kev they get the celebrity status, and every move (whether it the right or wrong move) will be scrutinised. They might as well become hermits, go underground and stay out of sight, at least they'd be safe that way.

So true these players are put on a pedestal and become fair game for the media then we wonder why theses normal young men who are treated and paid like superstars start act up under the pressure then media hound them even more and can't wait to knock them off that pedestal.