Fevola admits suicide attempt

Fevola admits suicide attempt
By Tim Clarke

AFL discard Brendan Fevola has admitted he attempted to kill himself as he hit rock bottom through depression, gambling addiction and alcohol issues.

In a paid interview with the Nine Network, Fevola admitted after a domestic mishap over Christmas which resulted in his daughter falling off a bed, he went off the rails.

After catching a train to his house, the former Carlton and Brisbane forward drank three bottles of wine before trying to slash his wrists.

He told the Footy Show he was found by his mother.

That prompted the appointment to enter rehabilitation before he was arrested in the early hours of New Year's Day.

"We had a bit of incident ... over Christmas holidays, because I was on these pills for my ADD which most people didn't know I had," Fevola said.

"In the morning they make you a little bit drowsy ... and Lulu fell off the bed because I fell back asleep.

"We had an argument, I ended up catching a bus to the train station, caught a train home, and started to drink some red wine - ended up drinking three or four bottles and tried to harm myself.

"I had a bit of a crack at my wrists - everything got to me, and I hit rock bottom. And just thought that was the easiest way to go.

"That (to kill myself) was my intention - and I am glad I didn't. I did not know was I thinking, I was drunk.

"It is not fair on anyone - I was very stupid and immature, because I have got three beautiful girls and a wife who supports me 100 per cent.

"At the time I was not thinking straight, but in my situation I was in owing people money through my gambling, it all hit me at once."

Fevola was today asked to leave the Crown Casino after being spotted playing poker on the gaming floor, despite his self-admitted gambling addiction.

He said he did not consider that a relapse - despite previously admitting winning and losing $365,000 over a two-day period betting on horses.

"I have not had a punt on the horses for nearly a year - I am really pumped that I haven't because that is where I lost all my money," Fevola said.

"I would be close to a million ( I had a lost). I was up $365,000 one day, and it was gone the next day.

"As I put it then, I started with $1,000 so only lost a $1,000 - that is what I would say in my head."

He also admitted his gambling debts at Brisbane had become so bad he needed half his year's wages paid to him up front to clear the debts.

"That got paid, so we sort of had no money for the year - we lived off Alex being on 'Dancing with the Stars' - she supported me as well as three kids," Fevola said.


"Last year (I did get a visit from heavies) - it was pretty scary."