The shocking reason why this AFL star told wife to stay home
Adelaide Crows forward Josh Jenkins says the nature of abuse at SANFL games lead him to ask his wife to remain at home when he plays in the second-tier league.
Jenkins, 30, was dropped back to the Crows’ reserves after a mixed run of form at AFL level a few weeks ago.
Speaking with SEN Adelaide Breakfast, Jenkins said said the smaller crowds and quieter grounds at SANFL level had the unfortunate side effect of amplifying the abuse hurled by spectators.
The Crows forward said it was ‘uncomfortable’ for his family to have to sit through several hours of strangers throwing insults at him on the field.
“On the weekend I told Hannah and (Jenkins’ daughter) Lottie — I told Hannah, who’s responsible, to stay home,” he said.
“Because at SANFL, the abuse that gets hurled around — and I’m not condemning people that do it — but it’s uncomfortable for them to have to sit there.
“They obviously love me and to have to sit there and go through that.
“If I was at Hannah’s netball I’d be wanting to start a fight if those same things were said and that’s how I’m trying to make people to understand that it affects everyone.
“Mental health might affect the individual but the whole family gets affected.”
Jenkins said it was important to make a stand about things that affect the mental health of others thanks to his position as a footballer.
His words come shortly after Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd retired from the AFL, citing struggles with mental heath as the reason why.
“This is by no means limited to professional sport,” Jenkins said.
“Mental health is an issue everywhere.
“It’s more of an issue everywhere else than it is in footy but it’s highlighted for obvious reasons because we are public people and we live a life in the public spotlight.”
