NEWS: 30/08/07 Joey Johns Caught With Ecstasy

[Verybuffed]

Joey Johns caught with ecstasy
Thursday Aug 30 05:00 AEST

By ninemsn staff

Rugby league legend Andrew Johns has been arrested for possession of an ecstasy tablet in London.

Police stopped the 33-year-old former Australian Test captain at Kings Cross underground station on Sunday afternoon.

Johns was found with one ecstasy tablet, and was released with an official warning — meaning he now has a criminal record in Britain.

advertisement
The rugby great had reportedly been partying at The Church, an all-day club at Kentish Town that is popular with Australian expats and tourists.

He was not charged over the incident and is free to return to Australia, but if he is ever caught in another similar situation he could face court.

Johns was searched as part of a British Transport Police operation in the London underground to catch drug users travelling to the Notting Hill Carnival.

The former footy star was one of 206 people arrested for drugs possession in London over the British holiday weekend.

Police confirmed last night that "an Australian man in his 30s was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet".

Johns had been holidaying in Britain, and had spent the previous week attending the Challenge Cup final at Wembley stadium and coaching the rugby union club Harlequins.



Absolutely classic!

ninemsn.com.au

[Edit- Added link. lil angel15]

 

[Splatt]

Why didn't he run! All pommy cops have are those funny big hats and no guns, right?

 

[Klue]

He said that he remembers someone 'putting' something in his pocket at a venue that he was at and not investigating and taking it out.

Yeah right Johnsy!

He's been playing professional footy for like 25 years but only just retired... I reckon you would bust out a bit and have some fun! But thats just me...

:D

 

[lil angel15]

Verybuffed, could you please provide a source for this article.

Thanks

 

[hoptis]

League star Andrew Johns arrested for ecstasy
August 30, 2007 07:50am

AUSTRALIAN rugby league great Andrew Johns has confirmed he was issued with a caution for possession of an ecstasy tablet in London last Sunday.

Johns was arrested but not charged by British transport police, who apparently were conducting a routine search at underground railway stations following the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a statement from Johns' management The Fordham Company said.

"Following an interview with police he was told the misdemeanour did not warrant being charged and instead was given an official caution," the statement said.

"Johns said today he recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at a crowded entertainment venue last Sunday - his last day in the United Kingdom following a six weeks overseas holiday."

It is believed Johns had been to The Church, an all-day club at Kentish Town that is popular with some expatriates.

In the statement, Johns said: "I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home.

"I stupidly forget about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted.

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up to me over the years. It has left a black mark on my reputation which I will work very hard at erasing".

Johns was one of 206 people arrested for drugs possession in London over the British holiday weekend.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said late last night: "A man in his 30s was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet following a routine police operation at King's Cross underground station at 4.20pm on Sunday, 26th of August."

Johns, who was forced out of the game in April by a recurring neck injury, has been holidaying in Europe and the UK.

He and injured Brisbane Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer were guests at the Challenge Cup final between St Helens and Catalans at Wembley Stadium the day before his arrest.

He had been in London for a few weeks and had accepted an invitation by former Newcastle Knights player Billy Peden to pass on his tactical and kicking knowledge at the Harlequins Rugby League Club.

Johns has also been working with the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup.

News.com.au

 

[hoptis]

Johns caught with ecstasy
Alex Brown in London | August 30, 2007 - 8:17AM

The former rugby league star Andrew Johns has admitted that he was arrested for possession of an ecstasy tablet in London, but has blamed an "unknown person" for pushing it in his pocket at an all-day nightclub.

Johns has nonetheless described himself as a "very foolish person" and vowed to repair the damage done to his reputation.

"I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home," Johns said in a statement.

"I stupidly forget (sic) about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted.

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up to me over the years. It has left a black mark on my reputation which I will work very hard at erasing".

Johns was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet at London's Kings Cross station.

British transport police confirmed that Johns, who was believed to have been returning from the Church nightclub in nearby Kentish Town, was arrested at 4.20pm on Sunday.

The Church is a well-known venue for Australian expats and tourists. Willie Mason and Anthony Minichiello were famously pictured there in 2004.

By accepting an official warning, Johns has in effect admitted to the offence and now has a criminal record in Britain.

Johns was caught in a routine search by local police, who were targeting revellers returning from the annual Notting Hill Carnival in west London.

A transport police spokesman told the Sydney Morning Herald last night that "an Australian man in his 30s was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet".

Johns will not be charged over the offence and is free to return to Australia. Another similar caution, however, would result in a charge and a possible court appearance, the transport police official confirmed.

The former Australian Test captain had been holidaying in Britain, and had spent the previous week coaching the rugby union club Harlequins and attending the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Simon Moran, the majority shareholder of the Warrington Wolves, had been with Johns at the Challenge Cup final last Saturday.

"He seemed fine, no problem at all," Moran said. "He had previously been up and worked with two of our halfbacks and the juniors for a day.

"I'm pretty sure he's gone home now. I have no other comment to make."

Johns retired from rugby league earlier this season, ending one of the most celebrated careers in league history.

The Newcastle star had received a succession of head knocks, and medical staff advised him to retire for fear of permanent spinal injury.

More recently, Johns has worked as a kicking coach in a consultancy capacity with the Knights, the Wallabies and Harlequins, among others.

Last year, Johns was called in by the NRL's boss, David Gallop, to help young league players negotiate the minefield of temptations available to elite players, following a string of alcohol-fuelled incidents at various clubs.

The Age

 

[Verybuffed]

Looks like he is going to try and worm his way out of it, or maybe the NRL has told him what to say there? The latter I think.

I can remember when Ben Kennedy played for the Raiders and he was busted for doing E and he said in court "a tablet fell into my mouth and I didn't know what it was so I swallowed it anyway" and got away with it!

We're not that stupid!

 

[lil angel15]

Wallabies dump Johns over ecstasy bust
August 30, 2007 11:28am

Johns caught with ecstasy after club visit
Cautioned, released without charge
Johns no longer welcome as coaching consultant

AUSTRALIAN Rugby Union boss John O'Neill has ruled out any chance of Andew Johns joining the Wallabies as a coaching consultant at the Rugby World Cup in France following his caution for possession of ecstasy.

Johns, a former Kangaroos captain, had spent time tutoring the Wallabies' kickers before the Australian side upset the All Blacks in Melbourne in June.

Australian coach John Connolly said recently he hoped the rugby league great could work again with the team in France once the former halfback's commentary commitments with Channel 9 were completed after the NRL finals series.

But O'Neill said today the ARU had not entered into any formal arrangement with Johns.

"It wasn't a done deal that he'd be contributing to the team in France," O'Neill said through a spokesman.

"Given the current circumstances, the Wallabies will continue as is in France."

Johns said earlier today that the ecstasy tablet he was caught with in London was pushed into a pocket of his jeans at a crowded club by an unknown person.

Johns confirmed he was issued with a caution for possession of an ecstasy tablet on Sunday.

He was arrested but not charged by British transport police, who apparently were conducting a routine search at underground railway stations following the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a statement from Johns' management The Fordham Company said.

"Following an interview with police he was told the misdemeanour did not warrant being charged and instead was given an official caution," the statement said.

"Johns said today he recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at a crowded entertainment venue last Sunday - his last day in the United Kingdom following a six weeks overseas holiday."

In the statement, Johns said: "I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home.

"I stupidly forget about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted.

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up to me over the years. It has left a black mark on my reputation which I will work very hard at erasing".

Johns was one of 206 people arrested for drugs possession in London over the British holiday weekend.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said in a statement late last night: "A man in his 30s was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet following a routine police operation at King's Cross underground station at 4.20pm on Sunday, 26th of August."

In Britain a formal, or "simple", caution is not a criminal conviction.

However, it is recorded on the police database and may be considered in court if a person is tried for another offence, the UK Home Office says on its website.

"If you are given a simple caution you will be officially warned about the unacceptability of your behaviour, and the likely consequences if you commit any further crimes will be explained to you," the website says.

Johns, who was forced out of the game in April by a recurring neck injury, has been holidaying in Europe and the UK.

He and injured Brisbane Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer were guests at the Challenge Cup final between St Helens and Catalans at Wembley Stadium the day before his arrest.

He had been in London for a few weeks and had accepted an invitation by former Newcastle Knights player Billy Peden to pass on his tactical and kicking knowledge at the Harlequins Rugby League Club.

news.com.au

 

[lil angel15]

Johns caught with ecstasy
Alex Brown in London, August 30, 2007

Rugby league star Andrew Johns says an "unknown person" pushed an ecstasy pill into his jeans, which British police later found and arrested him for.

Johns was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet at London's Kings Cross station.

British transport police have confirmed that Johns, who was believed to have been returning from the Church nightclub in nearby Kentish Town, was arrested at 4.20pm on Sunday. The Church is a well-known venue for Australian expats and tourists. By accepting an official warning, Johns has in effect admitted to the offence and now has a criminal record in Britain.

Johns was caught in a routine search by local police, who were targeting revellers returning from the annual Notting Hill Carnival in west London. He is understood to have been in possession of one ecstasy tablet. The former Australian Test captain had been holidaying in Britain, and had spent the previous week coaching the rugby union club Harlequins and attending the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Johns' management today released a statement saying the former Newcastle halfback recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at a crowded entertainment venue last Sunday - his last day in the United Kingdom following a six weeks overseas holiday.

"I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home," he said.

"I stupidly forget about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted," he said.

A transport police spokesman told Fairfax Media last night that "an Australian man in his 30s was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet".

Johns will not be charged over the offence and is free to return to Australia. Another similar caution, however, would result in a charge and a possible court appearance, the transport police official confirmed.

Johns retired from rugby league earlier this season, ending one of the most celebrated careers in league history. The Newcastle star had received a succession of head knocks, and medical staff advised him to retire for fear of permanent spinal injury. More recently, Johns has worked as a kicking coach in a consultancy capacity with the Knights, the Wallabies and Harlequins, among others.

Last year, Johns was called in by the NRL's boss, David Gallop, to help young league players negotiate the minefield of temptations available to elite players, following a string of alcohol-fuelled incidents at various clubs.

brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[lil angel15]

The statement from Johns' management
August 30, 2007 - 7:40AM

The following is the statement issued today by Andrew Johns' management The Fordham Company after the former rugby league Test captain was cautioned in London for possession of an ecstasy tablet:

Andrew Johns has confirmed he was issued with a caution for possession of an ecstasy tablet in London last Sunday.

Johns was not charged with any offence by British Transport Police who apparently were conducting a routine search at underground railway stations following the annual Notting Hill Carnival.

Following an interview with police he was told the misdemeanour did not warrant being charged and instead was given an official caution.

Johns said today he recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at a crowded entertainment venue last Sunday - his last day in the United Kingdom following a six weeks overseas holiday.

"I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home," he said.

"I stupidly forget about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted," he said.

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up to me over the years. It has left a black mark on my reputation which I will work very hard at erasing".

AAP

brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[RexHunt]

haha worst cover ever!

rave on!!

 

[hoptis]

What a ridiculous story. We know pills are cheap in the UK but as for people just randomly shoving them in your pocket... and if it was a friend who do it to him, it just as likely indicates he has used before.

 

[Klue]

9.30 TONIGHT- THE FOOTY SHOW- Johns talks about this issue LIVE

 

[hoptis]

Wallabies dump Johns over ecstasy bust
By Dean Ritchie with AAP
August 30, 2007 08:28pm

IN a shock confession Andrew Johns has revealed he was in the grip of drugs and alcohol throughout his whole playing career.

"I took the drugs to escape from the pressure and get away from being a football player," he told The Daily Telegraph tonight.

The league legend also admitted that he is battling depression.

In an extraordinary about-face from his earlier assertion that he had no intention of taking an ecstasy pill, which he said an unknown person placed in his jeans pocket at a London club on Sunday, Johns came clean.

"I was going to take the pill for sure," he said.

"I'm not looking for sympathy, I put my hand up. I've done the wrong thing."

The retired Newcastle, New South Wales and Kangaroos star, regarded by many as rugby league's greatest player, was issued with an official caution by British police for possession of the ecstasy tablet.

NRL chief executive David Gallop said it was a distressing confession from Johns.

"It is an insight into the pressure he has been under for a number of years," he said.

"He should be given credit for his frankness."

Gallop also said he was "not aware of Johns ever failing a drug test throughout his career".

Johns, 33, was not charged over the London incident and won't have a conviction against his name, but NSW Premier Morris Iemma said if he'd been caught with the drug in NSW he could have been prosecuted.

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) had been considering using Johns to help the Wallabies in their build-up to next month's Rugby World Cup in France, but today promptly dropped the idea.

Johns was arrested by London transport police conducting routine searches at Kings Cross underground railway station following the annual Notting Hill Carnival, a statement released this morning from Johns' management The Fordham Company said.

"Johns said he recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at a crowded club on Sunday – his last day in the United Kingdom following a six weeks overseas holiday."

In the statement Johns said: "I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home.

"I stupidly forgot about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted."

Johns is regarded as a role model in the sport and he acknowledged his actions would disappoint many young fans.

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up to me over the years," he said in the earlier statement.

"It has left a black mark on my reputation which I will work very hard at erasing."

Johns' manager John Fordham said news of the bust had been "devastating" for the former player.

"But he's working hard at getting control of all of that – they're difficult times," he told Nine Network.

Mr Fordham admitted Johns was lucky to have escaped with just a caution.

In Britain a formal caution does not mean a criminal conviction.

However it is recorded on the police database and may be considered in court if a person is tried for another offence, the UK Home Office says.

Johns, who was forced out of the game in April by a recurring neck injury, has been holidaying in Europe and the UK.

He had been in London for a few weeks, helping to coach the Harlequins Rugby League Club at the invitation of former Newcastle Knights player Billy Peden.

Johns recently spent time tutoring the Wallabies' kickers and coach John Connolly suggested the former halfback may work with the team again in France, once his NRL commentary commitments were completed.

But ARU boss John O'Neill said today there had been no firm deal with Johns.

He added: "Given the current circumstances, the Wallabies will continue as is in France."

News.com.au

 

[hoptis]

But how can that be possible? Drugs destroy lives, they kill your dreams and make sure you never reach your ambitions.

Gary Ablett certainly wasn't on drugs all through his playing career as one of the greatest footballers AFL had ever seen... was he? Ben Cousins?

How many more similar confessions is it going to take before the Australian public are able to reach a more mature understanding of drug use in this country. How widespread it truly is in some circles and how, if all the anti-drug propaganda is to be believed, can people who are doing something so awful to their bodies continue to excel at such an elite level of sport for so long?

 

[gumby11]

Its no secret that Joey has been on it for years. I knew a girl when I was growing up in Newcastle in the 90s who sold him weed and went out on the town on es and speed with him every now and again. I agree with Hoptis that the mainstearm should be less ignorant toward illicit drug use in sporting stars, and realise that its a reality that happens and is it such a bad thing if they're performing to the peak of their ability. The way the media is saying that respect for Joey will fall sickens me, he was the greatest rugby league player ever, and who cares what he did in his own time.

 

[Splatt]

But wait... there's more!..

Johns's brother 'thought Joey was dead'
August 30, 2007 10:53pm
By Todd Balym
Article from: AAP

THE brother of rugby league great Andrew Johns says he feared his younger sibling had died when he received the phone call from a former teammate about a drugs arrest in London at the weekend.

Matthew Johns says he immediately thought the worst when former Knights winger Brian Carney called at 3.30am to advise him 'mate I've got some bad news on Joey'.

“Knowing Andrew and his reckless behaviour I thought he was dead,” Matthew Johns told the Nine Network.

“I thought this was the phone call I've been waiting for.

“To be honest when he (Carney) told me he's (Joey) been arrested with drugs, it sounds strange but I was relieved.”

Matthew Johns, who won Newcastle's first premiership with his brother in 1997, says he feels partly responsible for Joey's private battle with drugs.

Matthew said the family had kept Andrew's personal battle with depression private but hoped making it public would help his brother stop using drugs.

“Tonight everyone got an insight into how unstable Andrew's life has been over the last 10 or 12 years,” he said.

“A lot of that stuff was rightfully or wrongfully we kept to ourselves.

"His ups and downs and what not.

“I probably didn't have the guts to act.

"I take certain responsibility in there as well.

“If this arrest means he never touches a drug again then well then I think it's a real positive and a good thing.”

Former Newcastle captain Paul Harragon, the captain of the 1997 premiership side, said he always feared how Johns would handle his post-football life.

“It's a struggle that's been tough and I've always worried about Joey when he would retire and how things would turn out,” Harragon said.

“Tonight under tremendous pressure he lifted again and told the truth and he is free.”

Former player Mark Geyer, who in 1991 tested positive for marijuana, says Johns must now use his experience to educate others.

“That's the first step. Now he has to go to schools and preach to kids in particular,” Geyer said.

“He's got to really ram home the fact that drugs and sport and anything don't mix.”

News.Com.AU

 

[lil angel15]

Andrew Johns admits 10 years of drug abuse
By staff writers and AAP
August 31, 2007 12:00am

Admits Friday night best chance to avoid test
Took some drug tests knowing he could fail
Johns's brother 'thought Joey was dead

RUGBY league legend Andrew Johns says taking drugs when he was playing Friday night matches gave him a better chance of avoiding the NRL’s drug-testers.

After news broke yesterday that the former international was caught in London with an ecstasy tablet in his pocket, Johns has revealed he was in the grip of drugs and alcohol throughout his whole playing career and was battling depression.

In an interview on the Nine Network's The Footy Show, Johns said he played the biggest games in his career with the thought of taking drugs racing through his mind and how he would play Russian roulette with drug testers.

"Probably 10 years I've taken it on and off," he said.

“People probably ask, ‘how do you avoid the drug tests?

"Well you play on a Friday night and don't train on a Saturday or Sunday, then generally it's out (of your system) by Monday."

“You go out on a Friday night after the game, hammer yourself and wake up not knowing where you’ve been for two or three days.”

Knew he was 'pushing his luck'

Johns said he had been routinely drug-tested by the NRL “maybe two or three times a year”.

Since 1999, five NRL players have had action taken against them for recreational drug use.

Johns admitted there were times when he took a drug test knowing he was pushing his luck.

“I’ve had so many close calls,” he said. “I’ve taken tests and thought ‘I could fail this’.”

“I’d wake up in the morning and wonder how I’m not on the front of the paper.”

Johns stood by his initial claim that the pill was put in his pocket by a complete stranger as he left The Church nightclub in London.

Diagnosed with depression

But Johns said he knew what the drug was as he had used it many times before, including throughout a brilliant playing career that had many labelling him the best to ever pull on a boot.

Johns also said he had been diagnosed with depression "six or seven" years ago and had been taking medication for the condition for the past five years.

"Originally I didn't want to take it, because it stabilised me and took away these incredible highs I got and invariably after the highs I crashed to low where I didn't leave the house for four days," he said.

"It (drugs) contributed to the way I behaved.

"One minute I could be literally ready to take the world on, that's when I was at my creative best when I was playing but then one day I could turn up to the field and wouldn't want to talk to anybody."

Hard to admit drug-use to son

He also revealed just how difficult it had been to tell his son, Sam, of his drug use and claimed he hadn't slept or eaten since the story of his arrest broke.

"I just can't describe how bad I feel," he said.

"Sitting there this morning trying to explain to my seven-year-old son what I'd done in London.

"I had to sit and tell my son before he went to school today.

"It's incredibly selfish behaviour when you think about it.

"My life has been like a fairytale and I've been so lucky I've experienced so much but I think about some of the great times I've had and they've just been destroyed because I've taken drugs.

"It's destroyed so many great times of my life."

news.com.au

 

[lil angel15]

I have used drugs for years
Brad Walter | August 31, 2007

ANDREW JOHNS, rated as arguably the greatest player of either rugby code, admitted last night that he had taken drugs throughout his playing career.

In a confession after he was arrested in London for possessing an ecstasy tablet, Johns said he had regularly used illegal substances to help battle depression and "ran the gauntlet" with drugs testers.

Johns, 33, maintained that an unknown person had put an ecstasy tablet in his pocket during a drinking session at a notorious London club, The Church. "I 'll put my hand up, I was going to take it," he told The Footy Show.

The incident has raised doubts about his roles in the media and as a coaching consultant.

"For probably 10 years on and off I have taken it. It was usually during the off season but there were times during the season I have played Russian roulette with the drugs testers," said Johns, who admitted some officials and players at the Newcastle Knights knew of his drug taking.. "I was about 19, 20, 21 when I first started taking it, and to be honest I sort of used it to escape all the pressure."

Johns, spent six hours in a jail cell after his arrest in London.

The Australian Rugby Union immediately ruled out any possibility of Johns working with the Wallabies at the World Cup in France. His position as a presenter at the Dally M awards next Tuesday is also in jeopardy.

News Limited, for which Johns works as a columnist, and Channel Nine want to discuss the incident with him. "We are awaiting the details and a chance to talk to him before forming a view as to what impact it has

on his current arrangements with News Limited," a spokesman for the company said.

Nine was understood to have been looking to expand Johns's role as a commentator before the ecstasy tablet incident in London. But in a statement issued before his appearance on The Footy Show last night, it said: "Nine will consider the situation, and have discussions with Andrew and his management over the next few days."

Even the Newcastle Knights - who Johns led to two premierships and in 249 top-grade matches before he was forced to retire in April because of a second serious neck injury in three years - expressed their disappointment with him. The Knights said they wanted to speak to Johns about the incident.

Newcastle's chief executive, Steve Burraston, said: "Since retiring in April Andrew's agreement with the club isn't a playing contract; he does, however, work for the Knights and is on leave. Andrew is an important member of the club, and we will obviously discuss the matter with him as soon as is practical."

Johns, who had been touted as league's next "immortal" before his indiscretion, apologised for his actions and admitted he had been foolish.

However, the explanation by John Fordham, Johns's agent, about how Johns was issued with a caution by British Transport Police conducting a routine search at Underground railway stations after the Notting Hill Carnival, raised as many eyebrows as the arrest.

Fordham said Johns "recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at a crowded entertainment venue last Sunday", his last day in Britain after a six-week overseas holiday.

Johns added: "I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home. I stupidly forget about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted."

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up to me over the years. "

The NRL chief executive, David Gallop, said while Johns was no longer a player, he remained a role model.

"That is what is disappointing."

www.leaguehq.com.au

 

[johnnyonelove]

But how can that be possible? Drugs destroy lives, they kill your dreams and make sure you never reach your ambitions.

Gary Ablett certainly wasn't on drugs all through his playing career as one of the greatest footballers AFL had ever seen... was he? Ben Cousins?

How many more similar confessions is it going to take before the Australian public are able to reach a more mature understanding of drug use in this country. How widespread it truly is in some circles and how, if all the anti-drug propaganda is to be believed, can people who are doing something so awful to their bodies continue to excel at such an elite level of sport for so long?

well said.

perhaps what is important is what percentage of users are problem users, and how this varies across the spectrum of recreational drugs. i think it'd be found that alcohol is up there with drugs such methamphetamine and heroin.