BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Josh Bruce of the Bulldogs is seen injured during the 2023 AFL Round 20 match between the Western Bulldogs and the GWS GIANTS at Mars Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Out of control’: Western Bulldogs player Bailey Smith apologizes over white powder images
AFL, Bulldogs investigate online images of ‘illicit substance’
Smith, 21, ‘determined to learn the lessons of my past
The Western Bulldogs have launched an investigation after images surfaced showing star Bailey Smith holding a bag of white powder at a party, prompting the cult-hero midfielder to admit to possessing an illicit substance late in 2021 when he “spiralled out of control” amid struggles with his mental health.
Smith and Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains confirmed the midfielder had been shown with an illicit substance, in the months after the Bulldogs’ 2021 grand final loss, but did not say whether he had taken it. The Bulldogs and the AFL’s integrity unit are now investigating the content and how it emerged on social media.
“I have recently been made aware of the presence of social media content that shows me with an illicit substance,” Smith said in a statement on Saturday. “In confronting this, the temptation is to speak in vague generalities and avoid the issue. However, I am determined
The Western Bulldogs have launched an investigation after images surfaced showing star Bailey Smith holding a bag of white powder at a party, prompting the cult-hero midfielder to admit to possessing an illicit substance late in 2021 when he “spiralled out of control” amid struggles with his mental health.
Smith and Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains confirmed the midfielder had been shown with an illicit substance, in the months after the Bulldogs’ 2021 grand final loss, but did not say whether he had taken it. The Bulldogs and the AFL’s integrity unit are now investigating the content and how it emerged on social media.
“I have recently been made aware of the presence of social media content that shows me with an illicit substance,” Smith said in a statement on Saturday. “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.
