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      I’m a former Man City midfielder but I gave it up to be a car salesman… now I’m a qualified counsellor to help others

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      FORMER Man City midfielder Jeff Whitley made a drastic career change following his own experiences with addiction.The ex-professional footballer, 44, gave up his sporting career to become a car salesman – and he is now a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist.
      Former Manchester City Footballer Jeff Whitley worked as a car salesman at the Stockport Car SupermarketCredit: Manchester Evening News
      After ending his playing career in 2010, Whitley worked at a car dealership in Stockport, the Manchester Evening News reported.
      Whitley was a salesman at Stockport Car Supermarket.
      He told The Sun: “It was something I fell into after playing.”
      After that, he decided to change his path again.
      read more in Football
      He said: “I went into counselling sound because it’s something I was interested in – helping others and helping players.”
      Now, he has more than 15 years of experience in addiction and relapse prevention and recovery.
      He is registered under the Counselling Directory where his profile explains his background and aims.
      As an ex-professional footballer, trying to compete at the highest level on a weekly basis and trying to please others came with its own challenges and problems which I later had to address.Former Man City Midfielder Jeff Whitley
      Whitley added: “I have a strong passion for addictions therapy such as alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, gaming and gambling addictions, as I myself am a recovering addict and have been a member of AA, CA, GA etc for many years.”
      Most read in Football
      He is well-equipped with the tools and personal experience to help, as he explains: “I’m able to offer first hand help, guidance and continued support to recovery with a goal to achieve sobriety and abstinence from all addictions as well as relapse prevention.”
      He also works in Professional Football providing counselling, support, therapy and mentoring.
      He covers a range of issues including anxiety, depression, anger and confidence, particularly among professional footballers.
      Discussing his troubled past, Whitley told SunSport in 2020: “I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and thought, ‘I don’t know who that guy is.’ I’d completely lost myself.”
      He added: “There’s this ripple effect of people who are getting hurt through your actions and they can’t do anything apart from look after themselves. That’s my biggest regret.”
      That’s not all, though. Whitley’s career has been full of fabulous twists and turns.
      He even worked as a football coach at a development centre linked with League Two club Morecambe.
      The centre started in 2015 at Loreto High School, across the road from Whitley’s old school Oakwood (now Chorlton High).
      In December 2018, the ex-Northern Ireland international was hired by the PFA’s Wellbeing team.
      They offer free support to footballers past and present on issues ranging from addiction to anxiety, depression and “just feeling a bit low”.
      In 2019, he backed The Sun’s End of The Line campaign to help raise awareness of the devastating dangers of cocaine and its impact on mental health.
      Whitley explained: “When you’re young and you’ve got a few quid in your pocket, it can be quite exciting and highly addictive.
      “But you go from being super confident and chatty to wanting to be on your own in complete isolation.”
      Jeff Whitley is part of the PFA’s Wellbeing department which provides support to more than 50,000 members.
      They offer a 24/7 helpline, a national network of counsellors, and a residential rehab at Sporting Chance Clinic.
      Fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Cocaine Anonymous (CA), are available as well with 12-step sponsored programme.
      The PFA Wellbeing team provide individual action plans for members on issues ranging from anxiety, depression, alcohol, drug use and gambling.
      They also go into all 92 clubs to assess players and educate Under-18s, U23s, first-team, women’s teams and staff on the dangers of alcohol and drug use.
      Any current and former PFA members can contact the Wellbeing team with emotional issues on its email address: wellbeing@thepfa.co.uk
      Whitley learnt from his own experiences with drug use.
      He shared: “I was in a dark place. I had no excuse not to take it. I didn’t have to go into training, so wouldn’t be drug tested, and I wanted to feel better.
      “When I took it, I could stay up longer, drink longer. But if you take enough the buzz eventually goes; the buzz ends up being paranoia.”
      He added: “The insane paranoia is mind-blowing. Call it curtain-twitching: any siren, any noise, you think they’re after you. It’s a proper frightening place to be.”
      Whitley has real, lived experience with addiction and drug use.
      In 2017, his brother Jack took his own life by taking a concoction of drugs including cocaine.
      “I know how difficult it is for family members to reach out and help,” Whitley explains.
      But Whitley turned his life around.
      While in rehab, he learnt the root of his issue lay with unspoken childhood trauma after having been orphaned at age 12.
      Read More on The Sun
      “These things have a huge impact on you,” he said. “You’re looking for father figures and, unfortunately, some of them are really bad role models, flashing the cash and selling drugs.”
      Where to go for help
      FRANK
      Helpline open 24/7: 0300 123 6600
      ADDACTION
      For help finding a service or to Instant chat
      Change, Grow, Live
      Help for anyone with drug and alcohol issues.
      Dedicated help for people under 25.
      SANE
      Mental health support line: 0300 304 7000
      Help4Addiction
      Help, support and advice for those dealing with addiction and their families
      Action on Addiction
      Rehab and community addiction treatment
      0300 330 0659
      Adfam
      Helpline open 9am-9pm, 7 days a week
      0300 888 3853
      Help for families affected by drugs and alcohol

      23 Oct 1999: Joy for Manchester City scorer Jeff Whitley in the Nationwide Division One match against Blackburn Rovers at Maine Road in Manchester, EnglandCredit: Getty
      5 Aug 2000: Jeff Whitley of Manchester City in action during a pre-season friendly against Stockport CountyCredit: Getty
      Jeff Whitley prior to the Group Six World Cup Qualifier between Wales and Northern Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on September 8, 2004 in Cardiff, WalesCredit: Getty More

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      I was suicidal after being accused of taking banned drugs before big fight, Conor Benn tells Piers Morgan

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      BOXER Conor Benn has revealed he wanted to kill himself after being accused of taking a banned testosterone-boosting drug.The welterweight champ — son of ring legend Nigel Benn — confessed to Piers Morgan that he contemplated suicide after testing positive.
      Conor Benn revealed he wanted to kill himself after being accused of taking a banned testosterone-boosting drugCredit: Getty
      Conor told Piers Morgan: ‘It’s hurt me. I didn’t think I was going to make it through this period’Credit: TALK TV
      Conor faces off with Chris Eubank Jr, left, and promoter Eddie Hearn before there 2022 bout was cancelledCredit: Reuters
      With tears in his eyes, he revealed he also suffered night terrors and panic attacks in the wake of the drugs tests last autumn, while his son was subjected to vile racist abuse.
      But Conor, 26, comes out fighting in his first televised interview since the scandal, to be shown on TalkTV at 8pm tomorrow night.
      He strongly denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.
      And in Piers Morgan Uncensored, Benn also reveals he wants to sue British boxing’s governing body for loss of earnings and damage to his reputation.
      Read More on Conor Benn
      Piers asked him: “To be branded a cheat in the court of public opinion, what has that done to you?”
      Conor said: “It’s hurt me. I didn’t think I was going to make it through this period.
      “It’s hard because I feel like I was on death row for something I hadn’t even done.
      “If I had done something wrong, you know, I am human. I would raise my hands to it, ‘I made a mistake’.
      Most read in Boxing
      ‘I was sobbing most nights’
      “Whatever it is, my personal life, I raise my hands. Never this.
      “I felt like seven years of hard work and sacrifice and leaving my family, and the image I maintained, was just ruined at someone else’s incompetence. It’s been hard for the family.”
      Piers asked: “When you say you didn’t think you would make it, what did you mean?”
      Conor said: “I was taking it day by day. I didn’t think I would see another day.”
      Asked if he was feeling suicidal, Benn replied: “Yeah, I would say so.
      “And it upsets me now because I don’t know how I got so bad. I got in a really bad way.
      “If you think I’m innocent or if you don’t think I am innocent — I am innocent.”
      Conor’s nightmare began as he was about to fight Chris Eubank Jnr — the son of another boxing legend — at London’s O2 Arena last October.
      Although I had done nothing wrong, I was having night terrors, panic attacks. I was really struggling. I was in a really bad way.Conor Benn
      But the British Boxing Board of Control — BBBofC — suddenly cancelled the much-hyped bout after two tests appeared to show that undefeated welterweight Benn had traces of testosterone-altering drug clomifene in his system.
      Becoming emotional, he said: “I would never do this to my family. I would never do this to my supporters.
      “Do you think I would do this to my dad? Do you think I would do this to my son, who’s now got to grow up and look at this?
      “It’s not who I am and it killed me because I was transparent with the public my whole career from 19 years old.
      “I’m a grown man now who has worked hard over the years.”
      Since being accused, Conor and his family — including young son, Eli — have been subjected to vile abuse on social media.
      Piers asked him what had been the worst things he had read about himself in the last four months.
      Conor said: “There’s been too many. Kill yourself. Racist comments to my son, with my family.
      “Nothing in person. It’s cowardly. I don’t even think it was social media that bothers me.
      “It was more so of the shame I felt leaving the house, although I had done nothing wrong. I was having night terrors, panic attacks.
      “I was really struggling and I was coping terribly with it. I was in a really bad way.”
      Later, the boxer said: “I was sobbing most nights. I didn’t want to go to sleep because I knew what I had to wake up to.
      “You’ve got to remember this was a nightmare for me.
      “How has this happened? How have I got in this situation? My faith let me down.
      Proud Conor in church with his wife Victoria and baby son Eli in 2021Credit: INSTAGRAM/CONOR BENN
      Son Conor is hoisted by dad, boxing legend Nigel, after his 2018 Welterweight title winCredit: PA
      Conor told Piers: ‘It’s been brutal. It does feel like a witch-hunt’Credit: TALK TV
      “I felt like I didn’t understand why this had happened when I’ve done nothing but work diligently hard. I was in a dark way.”
      Benn returned adverse findings for clomifene in two samples ahead of his bout with Eubank.
      According to the World Boxing Council, there is no conclusive evidence Conor intentionally took the banned substance, which can boost testosterone levels by 50 per cent.
      But he is now awaiting the verdict of a separate investigation by BBBofC and the UK Anti-Doping Agency which will decide whether Benn will receive a ban from boxing.
      Conor told Piers: “It’s been brutal. It does feel like a witch-hunt.
      “I’ve never seen anything quite like this before in any other athlete, whether they’ve raised their hands to it or they’ve just taken a small ban.
      “I was willing to fight and prove my innocence — although there was an easy way out at the beginning in lying and saying, ‘I may have accidentally done this, I may have done this by accident’ and taken a small six month ban.
      “Instead I chose to fight this because my integrity mattered more to me.
      “I would never ever, ever raise my hands to something I ain’t done.
      “This is the first time I’ve been able to speak on this.”
      I would never do this to my family. I would never do this to my supporters. Do you think I would do this to my dad?Conor Benn
      Conor refuses to believe there were any traces of the drug in his body and told Piers the test results could have been caused by “contamination” due to mistakes in the lab.
      He said: “I’m not saying that anyone in their labs deliberately did this. I’m not saying that at all, but it may be an accident, it may be an error.
      “Why are people saying I may have needed a testosterone boost? I’m 26 years old!
      “I didn’t even know what this thing was at the time.
      “I don’t accept it was in my body, not at all. Based on independent scientists looking at the reports, based on my own scientists looking at the reports and what we found.
      “People say you may have paid for the best legal team. Damn right I paid for the best legal team, damn right I paid for the best scientists — my career is on the line.
      “My image is on the line. My name is on the line and I can’t be known for this.”
      Conor’s team of experts submitted a 270-page dossier, which he says clears his name, to the WBC.
      Last month the WBC ruled that eating too many eggs could have produced the positive drug tests — but Conor has dismissed that theory.
      He is not giving his legal team’s file to the BBBofC, which has filed seven misconduct charges against him and has the power to ban him from fighting in the UK.
      ‘My name is on the line. I can’t be known for this’
      Conor said: “My dad tore up his British boxing licence on TV in the 80s.
      “I don’t have to be licensed by the board. I don’t plan on fighting in Britain any time soon.”
      And when Piers asked what was stopping him from handing over the dossier to the UK boxing authorities, the fighter said: “My pride, the way they have dealt with this.
      Conor, who believes cheats in contact sports should be banned for life, said: “I want this to be finished and I want to resume with my career.”
      He has has asked his promoter Eddie Hearn to find him the biggest fight possible.
      The boxer would love to take on Chris Eubank Jnr next — but before he does that, that he has to clear his name.
      As he told Piers: “I was born fighting, it’s in my blood.
      Read More on The Sun
      “But this is the hardest fight I’ve ever had to face.”

      Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored weekdays on TalkTV at 8pm. Available on Sky 522, Sky Glass 508, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237 and Freesat 217 as well as on DAB, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TV Plus, YouTube, the Talk.TV website and TalkTV iOS and Android apps.

      You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

      CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
      Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
      Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
      Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
      Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
      Movember, www.uk.movember.com
      Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm More

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      in Boxing

      Conor Benn planning to sue British boxing chiefs for £3.5MILLION over drug test drama that KOd Chris Eubank fight

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      CONOR BENN is reportedly set to sue British Boxing chiefs over the drama which saw his fight against Chris Eubank Jr collapse. Benn was due to fight Eubank Jr on October 10 last year, before the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) KO’d the fight after Benn failed a drug test.
      Conor Benn is reportedly set to sue British Boxing chiefsCredit: Getty
      Benn was set to throw hands with Chris Eubank JrCredit: Getty
      But Benn was later cleared by the WBCCredit: PA
      However, Benn, who vehemently protested his innocence, has now been cleared by the WBC after they accepted the cause of the failure was down to eating too many eggs.
      According to the Daily Mail, a furious Benn is planning a £3.5million lawsuit against the BBBoC for the 50 per cent stake he was due from the reported £7m fight purse.
      Benn told the Mail: “I’ve always been innocent and the Board have known about this for ages except they chose to call the show off two days before [it was due to take place].
      “There’s been other fighters in the past who have tested positive under UKAD (UK Anti-Doping), and the board have done nothing. They’ve still been allowed to fight.
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      “It’s just strange to me that VADA – the Voluntary Anti-doping Organisation that I employed myself for this fight – they’ve [the BBBoC] taken notice of other fighters who have failed the Board’s own testing agencies.
      “It is just baffling to me. I don’t know if there’s an agenda there or if they’re out for me because my dad [Nigel Benn] ripped up his British boxing licence on TV.”
      Benn followed in his father’s footsteps in ripping up his boxing licence as his doping row escalated.
      Traces of the banned substance Clomiphene, which is sometimes used in egg production for hens, was discovered in VADA urine samples.
      Most read in Boxing
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Benn submitted a 270-page document to the WBC protesting his innocence in December, highlighting that he passed a pair of UKAD tests taken around the same time.
      The organisation have now re-instated the 26-year-old after he appealed, and published a lengthy statement explaining their decision.
      They found that a “highly-elevated consumption of eggs” was a “reasonable explanation” for the findings.
      Benn added: “It’s killed me [emotionally], definitely.
      “It’s like people have been waiting for something. People have been waiting for this. There are people who know me, know my team, and they know what we represent. It’s all just crazy.”
      Despite being cleared, Benn is still unable to fight in the UK due to an ongoing investigation from UKAD and the BBBofC.
      The highly-anticipated clash was set to see a new generation rematch of Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, so had a special fervour among British boxing fans. More

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      in Boxing

      Conor Benn cleared by WBC as boxing chiefs accept eating too many eggs explains failed drug test ahead of Eubank clash

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      CONOR BENN’S claims that a “high consumption of eggs” led to his failed drugs tests have been accepted by the WBC – but he can still only fight outside of the UK.British boxing was thrown into chaos just days before Benn’s grudge fight against Chris Eubank Jr in October when news of the adverse findings broke.
      Conor Benn has always protested his innocence despite two failed drugs testsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The failed tests put paid to Benn’s grudge fight against Chris Eubank JrCredit: Reuters
      Despite legal teams on both sides throwing everything at it, the fight, and the entire promotion, was scrapped.
      Benn vehemently protested his innocence, and although he was never BANNED from boxing, UKAD and the British Boxing Board of Control opened an investigation.
      Benn subsequently ripped up his British boxing licence over the escalating doping row.
      The WBC removed Benn from their rankings after traces of the banned substance Clomiphene was discovered in VADA urine samples.
      Read More Boxing
      Clomiphene is sometimes used to increase egg production in hens.
      It can then be passed on to humans on digestion.
      Benn submitted a 270-page document to the WBC protesting his innocence in December, highlighting that he passed a pair of UKAD tests taken around the same time.
      And the organisation have now re-instated the 26-year-old after he appealed, and published a lengthy statement explaining their decision.
      Most read in Boxing
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      It reads: “The WBC found that: (1) there was no conclusive evidence that Mr Benn engaged in intentional or knowing ingestion of Clomiphene.
      “(2) there were no failures in the procedures related to sample collection, sample analysis, or violations of Mr Benn’s B Sample rights that would justify questioning or invalidating the Adverse Finding.
      “And (3) Mr Benn’s documented and highly-elevated consumption of eggs during the times relevant to the sample collection, raised a reasonable explanation for the Adverse Finding.”
      Benn, son of the legendary former world champ Nigel, is still under investigation by UKAD and the BBBofC, meaning he can still not fight on these shores.
      But the WBC’s move means he could lace up the gloves to fight in another country.
      Speaking to SunSport previously, Benn admitted to eating “around 35-40 eggs a week” and believes this, or “contamination” is the only answer to the failed tests.
      He explained: “The test was taken at the end of July, and I found out at the end of August.
      “I passed all my UKAD tests, which people aren’t talking about. I’ve passed all my tests in and out of camp – I’ve been pro seven years. Never failed a test.
      “I signed up to VADA in February, so it doesn’t make any sense. Why would I take something then?
      “Trace amounts were found. The tiniest of traces. The only thing I can think is contamination.
      “I’ve not taken anything. I never have done, never would. It’s not what I stand for, it’s not what my team stands for.
      “Why would I take the biggest fight of my life, sign up for to VADA, voluntary anti-doping, and then this substance? If you Google this substance it stays in your system for months.
      “Do I look like an idiot?”
      The BBBofC have since released their own statement, keen to point out that the WBC is “a sanctioning body and not a governing body”.
      They add: “The BBBoC has adopted the UK Anti-Doping Rules published by UK Anti-Doping, and those formed part of the rules to which Mr Benn was bound.
      Read More on The Sun
      “As such, the decision of the WBC does not affect the ongoing implementation of the BBBoC’s rules (and those of UKAD).
      “The UK Anti-Doping Rules make clear what conduct constitutes an Anti-Doping Rule Violation as defined in those rules (and in the World Anti-Doping Code) and specifically set out the circumstances in which such violations can be committed by way of strict liability.”
      Benn has been re-instated to the WBC rankings – but there are still some battles to overcomeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      in Boxing

      Kell Brook smiles as he’s seen in the ring for the first time since being filmed snorting line of white powder

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      KELL Brook has a smile on his face as he enters the ring for the first time since being filmed snorting a line of white powder.The world champion boxer, 36, was caught bending over a glass table as he partied at his Sheffield home.
      Kell Brook has been pictured for the first time since sniffing a white powderCredit: INSTAGRAM
      Brook was filmed snorting a line of white powder at a party at his home
      Footage shows him snorting the substance through a roll-up from a glass coffee table
      The Sun revealed the footage back in January which showed Brook looking worse for wear.
      He has since been pictured for the first time at a gym in the Canary Island, Fuerteventura.
      Brook posed in the ring at Baileys Gym wearing gloves as he appeared to be in winter training.
      The gym shared the photo to their Instagram tagging Brook – which he re-posted to his story.
      READ MORE ON KELL BROOK
      Brook took to social media earlier this month to apologise for his behaviour.
      He wrote: “I messed up, I hold my hands up & want to apologise to my family gym friends & fans.
      “It’s no secret that I struggle with mental health & I’m finding retirement really hard.
      “I’m actively seeking the help I need to get me on the right path. Again I apologise for the hurt I’ve caused.”
      Most read in Boxing
      A source said at the time: “He had a bit of a gathering at his house where people were drinking spirits and smoking.
      “He was snorting white powder.”
      However manager Terry Thompson insisted it was “a joke”.
      He said of the party clip: “This is a thing that has sort of got out of hand.
      “They were at his house, they were having a laugh.
      “They were joking about things.
      “He said to them, ‘Film me having a laugh’.”
      Asked if the powder was cocaine, he replied: “No.”
      The clip shows a heap of white powder next to a plastic “wrap” as the star mumbled “nice”.
      Brook then shadow boxes in front of a framed portrait of him having won the IBF welterweight title in 2014.
      Wife Lindsey, 35, and their three children were believed to be away at the time of the gathering.
      Read More on The Sun
      Brook announced his retirement in May after winning 40 of 43 professional fights.
      But he said recently he would return to the ring for the right offer.
      Brook then shadow boxes in front of a framed picture of him on the wall More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Ireland & Arsenal star Anthony Stokes remanded on bail on drugs and dangerous driving charges

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      EX-Ireland and Arsenal striker Anthony Stokes has been remanded on bail on drugs and dangerous driving charges. Gardai arrested the 34-year-old on January 6 following alleged driving incidents in Dublin and brought him to Crumlin station.
      Anthony Stokes, with an address in Dundrum, Dublin pictured leaving the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate StreetCredit: www.PCPhoto.ie
      The ex-Premier League player was remanded on bailCredit: www.PCPhoto.ie
      Former Arsenal player Anthony Stokes is charged with six offencesCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      They initially charged the ex-Premier League player with six offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act and Road Traffic Act and granted him station bail to appear at Dublin District Court today.
      Shortly before the hearing, the former professional footballer, dressed in a black jacket, jeans and runners, was charged with four more offences in connection with the incidents.
      Mr Stokes, of Wyckham Point, Dundrum, Dublin, is accused of unlawful possession of cocaine and having it for the purpose of sale or supply after he was brought to the Garda station on January 6.
      He has four counts of dangerous driving in a manner, including speed, at Walkinstown Avenue Walkinstown/Long Mile Road junction Dublin 12, Kennelsfort Road Upper Ballyfermot Dublin 20, Ballyfermot Road Ballyfermot Dublin 10, and Walkinstown Avenue.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      He was also accused of not having a driving licence or motor insurance at Knockmaroon Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15 on the same date and failing to produce them at a garda station within ten days.
      Garda Radoslaw Konczewski told the court that Mr Stokes “made no reply” to the additional charges.
      He had no objection to bail but asked the court to impose conditions to provide an address and his phone number.
      The accused, who stood throughout the brief hearing, remained silent and is yet to indicate a plea.
      Most read in Football
      His solicitor Lorraine Stephens objected to the garda’s request for conditions, adding that her client had already been given station bail on the more serious charges.
      The garda replied, “There is a possibility of further charges”.
      Judge Finan asked him if there had been difficulties so far in finding Mr Stokes, and the officer answered, “No”.
      He added, however, that finding him required contacting his solicitor.
      Judge Finan refused to add the conditions to the bail bond and remanded Mr Stokes to appear on December 14 for directions from the DPP to be obtained.
      Stokes began his career in the Arsenal reserve team when he was aged 15.
      He made his first-team debut as a substitute in the League Cup against Sunderland in 2005.
      Stokes then moved on loan to Falkirk where he scored 16 goals in 18 league and cup appearances.
      The footballer was transferred by Arsenal to Sunderland for £2million in 2007 with ex-Ireland and Utd star Roy Keane at the helm.
      Read More on The Sun
      He made 36 appearances before moving to Sheffield United and Crystal Palace on loan.
      Stokes later made a return to the Scottish league playing for Hibs and Celtic as well as spells for Greek and Iranian clubs.
      Anthony Stokes on the pitch for Celtic in 2016Credit: PA:Press Association More

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      in Boxing

      Former world boxing champion Kell Brook filmed snorting line of white powder at party in his home

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      BOXER Kell Brook has been filmed snorting a line of white powder at a party in his home.Footage shows the former world champion bending over a glass-topped coffee table.
      Boxer Kell Brook has been filmed snorting a line of white powder in a party at his home
      Footage shows him snorting the substance through a roll-up from a glass coffee table
      Kell then appears worse for wears as he shadow boxes in front of a framed picture of him on the wall
      More white powder is heaped next to a plastic “wrap” and the star — nicknamed Special K — mumbles “nice”.
      The 36-year-old appears the worse for wear as he shadow boxes in front of a framed portrait of him having won the IBF welterweight title in 2014.
      Last night his manager Terry Thompson insisted it was “a joke”.
      Brook wore a T-shirt featuring boxing legend Joe Louis at the Sheffield party.
      Read More on Kell Brook
      A source said: “He had a bit of a gathering at his house where people were drinking spirits and smoking.
      “He was snorting white powder.”
      Wife Lindsey, 35, who was often seen in the ring after his fights, and their three children were believed to be away.
      Brook’s last bout was almost a year ago when he beat bitter rival Amir Khan — who in 2012 wrote on Twitter: “I’ve heard things about Kell Brook.
      Most read in Boxing
      “He’s been seen taking cocaine.
      “Boxing is a professional sport for those who have discipline and respect.”
      Brook announced his retirement in May after winning 40 of 43 professional fights.
      But he said recently he would return to the ring for the right offer.
      He has been touted as an opponent for light-middleweight Liam Smith who beat Chris Eubank Junior last weekend.
      Our source added: “Kell seems a bit lost without boxing, and it seems like it would be better for him if he made a comeback.
      “He seems to be surrounded by the wrong people, who are not a good influence on him.”
      Brook, who is pals with England and Manchester City footballer Kyle Walker, was brought up in a council house in Sheffield.
      He began boxing aged 12 and turned professional at 18 — quickly winning title belts.
      But he had problems outside the ring.
      In 2007 he was stabbed in the buttocks outside a nightclub in Sheffield.
      In 2014 he beat Shawn Porter in California to become IBF World Welterweight champion.
      But two weeks later he was slashed three times with a machete in Tenerife and needed 32 metal staples.
      In 2016 he lost a fight while suffering a broken eye socket.
      In 2020 he admitted suffering depression afterwards, recalling: “It ruined me.
      “It was a very dark time.
      “I needed counsellors, the lot.
      “Words can’t describe how low I’ve been.”
      Manager Mr Thompson said of the party clip: “This is a thing that has sort of got out of hand.
      “They were at his house, they were having a laugh.
      “They were joking about things.
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      “He said to them, ‘Film me having a laugh’.”
      Asked if the powder was cocaine, he replied: “No.”
      Kell became the IBF World Welterweight champion in 2009Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua called out by Jarrell Miller as shamed heavyweight offers to take ‘short money’ to finally fight rival

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      JARREL MILLER is willing to take “short money” in order to finally fight Anthony Joshua. The American infamously blew the chance of challenging AJ for the heavyweight titles in 2019 after failing a series of doping tests.
      Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller pictured in 2019Credit: Getty
      And Miller was further disgraced after another drugs bust a year later and faced FOUR YEARS out of the ring.
      Now back in the boxing business as a villain, the unbeaten heavyweight is not giving up on his pursuit of AJ.
      Miller’s promoter Dmitriy Salita told The Express: “I received a phone call from Jarrell Miller last week, he said ‘Dmitriy I’ll take short money, tell Joshua I want to fight, and I’ll take short money.’
      “So, if Jarrell can work his way back up to that level, I believe it will be interesting to see him in those elite fights as well.”
      READ MORE IN BOXING
      Miller, 34, blamed his failed test before fighting Joshua, 33, on a tainted supplement and stem cell shots in his elbow.
      He then received a contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank stable but again tested positive for a banned substance.
      This time the ex-kickboxer put it down to a SEX PILL and was handed a two-year suspension.
      Miller enrolled in VADA testing in December 2020 and has returned clean drug tests since, which saw his licence in Las Vegas reinstated.
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      The New Yorker won two comeback fights last year, on points against Ariel Esteban Bracamonte and a stoppage over Derek Cardenas.
      And although Eddie Hearn has voiced concern over working with Miller again, Salita is hoping the door can be opened.
      He said: “As it stands now, I don’t think Matchroom is too keen to work with Jarrell but if Jarrell stays clean, keeps getting tested, and keeps winning then things can change.”
      Jarrell Miller wants to fight Anthony JoshuaCredit: @bigbabymiller More