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      in Soccer

      ‘How am I going to survive?’ asked non-league star after dream transfer into EFL turned into a nightmare

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      A NIGHTMARE summer transfer to Crawley Town left non-league striker Muhammadu Faal asking himself: “How am I going to survive?”From landing his dream move and putting a deposit down on a brand new house for his young family, to being told his contract was INVALID, Faal was left feeling depressed and ashamed.Muhammadu Faal was left worried about finances and work after Crawley let him go following a nightmare three monthsFaal was on top of the world when he was publicly announced as newly promoted League One side Crawley Town’s latest striker on July 22.It came 12 days after his cousin Liverpool star Joe Gomez watched on from the bench as England lost the Euros final to Spain.Faal told The Athletic: “It felt like my second bite of the cherry, my second chance. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.”But less than three months later, Faal’s attitude to football has changed. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe lost the opportunity to play at the highest level in his career so far when the EFL found his contract with Crawley was not valid.The agreement was a six-month contract with an 18-month extension option – which broke EFL rules as an extension period is not allowed to be longer than the initial deal.Faal then says there was told by Crawley’s football leadership that there was no room for renegotiation. A devastated Faal went to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for support, but was told that they couldn’t help.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I waited for the PFA, and within those three weeks I wondered, ‘How am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to just… survive? “I’ve got a wife, I’ve got a child, I’ve got rent to pay, bills to pay. How am I going to do this? What am I going to do?’”‘I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedMuhammadu Faal was involved in Crawley’s 6-3 preseason defeat to Crystal PalaceHe added: “When Crawley became interested, I thought that this was the chance of a lifetime. I couldn’t miss it. Great playing style, good manager… it doesn’t matter about the terms — I have to take it.”He has since received legal support from Muslim athlete collective Nujum Sport.But what happened before that? Faal signed the contract on July 15 and he completed his medical three days later, with signing pictures taken.The first stumbling block came when club sporting director Tobias Phoenix incorrectly told him he’d failed his medical.Faal recalled to The Athletic: “He told me ‘the deal’s off because you failed’. He said he didn’t want to disclose on what grounds.”But Crawley chiefs seemingly backtracked during a meeting with Faal and his agent just 24 hours later.The move was back on. That day, he was announced as a Crawley player, and appeared on the club’s social media channels.To Faal’s knowledge, at this point he was a Crawley player — though his agent was still pressing the club for a finalised copy of the contract.Setback after setback came again before he was told that he hasn’t been registered yet for a Carabao Cup against Swindon in August.Faal had paid the holding deposit on his dream home less than 48 hours before.He admitted that he was affected by the update — and didn’t perform up to his usual level in training.His senses were correct and he was let go by the club the next day.I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.Muhammadu FaalThe problem was that the contract which Faal had signed was for six months, with an 18-month extension option. Under EFL rules, an extension is not allowed to be longer than the initial contracted period. The issue meant Faal could not be registered.Faal added: “I was in disbelief. My agent and I didn’t know how it could happen. I signed a contract. Surely you can’t just let me go?”At that point, I just wanted to give up football. I didn’t see the point of continuing. My life’s goal was to make it pro and do that to the best of my ability. “But every time I’ve taken the step, I’ve been met by problems outside my control. I love football, but it’s unfair as well.”The Hackney-born ace lost his deposit on the house, but bigger things were also at play.He was now jobless, with his mental health receiving a battering.The 6ft 5in striker explained: “I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.”Faal of Barnet has had spells at Barnet, Enfield and MaidstoneAccording to Faal and his lawyer, his registration was not a key condition of the contract.Faal has since refused to sign the proof of termination document. He feels that he is owed that six-month contract — and is planning to take the club to an employment tribunal, according to The Athletic.In recent weeks, he has joined nearby Worthing to play games — dropping back down three divisions to return to the National League South. He now earns less money than he did before the Crawley move.Faal believes he has contracts with both Crawley and Worthing — but is allowed to play because he is only registered with the latter.When announcing his departure, on September 13, Crawley said Faal had joined Worthing for an “undisclosed fee”.But they would have been unable to receive money for him as an unregistered player — and is instead classed as a free transfer.Faal says Crawley told him that it was done to help the image of all parties involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESFaal began his career in Italy with Serie C side L’Aquila as an 18-year-old, making five senior appearances.He then enjoyed a series of free transfers to non-league sides Dulwich Hamlet, Kingstonian FC and Enfield Town. More

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      in Boxing

      How YouTuber Jarvis went from gamer earning fortunes to Misfits Boxing star sparring Floyd Mayweather

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      YOUTUBER Jarvis left behind a lucrative career in gaming to become a boxer – even catching Floyd Mayweather’s attention. The social media star – full name Jarvis Khattri – was part of the FaZe clan – the biggest worldwide gaming group. YouTuber Jarvis was part of the FaZe clanNow he is signed to Misfits BoxingJarvis sparred boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in Las VegasFaZe clan members brought in millions of pounds a year through eSports – but Jarvis was controversially banned from Fortnite for cheating in 2019. But two years later he dramatically changed career to boxing as part of a YouTube vs TikTok event – and he has never looked back. Jarvis relocated from Surrey to Las Vegas to train at Mayweather’s famous boxing club. As well as sparring the American legend himself, he also regularly shares the ring with top stars like undefeated prodigy Curmel Moton. READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd despite dedicating himself boxing, Jarvis jokes his old life as a gamer was slightly easier. He told SunSport in Doha: “Always, I think, ‘Why did I ever do this?’ “But after my first fight I kind’ve fell in love with it, that adrenaline rush, that feeling of getting hit and hitting someone. “It made me want more so I kept doing it, kept having fun and it’s something that is great for me, my health, pushing me out my comfort zone.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”For sure, I could’ve just stuck to that source of revenue, but why not expand?” Jarvis is 4-1 but his most memorable experience in the ring came during his spar with 50-0 icon Mayweather. Floyd Mayweather toys with YouTuber Jarvis in sparring for next exhibition fight The boxing great is a friend of Jarvis’ trainer Otis Pimpleton, so when Mayweather needed a late night sparring partner Jarvis got the call. He revealed: “I got beat up a little bit but I learned a lot and had a great job. It’s a surreal experience. “When you’re in there you don’t really think about it too much but the whole rest of the night I just had a smile on my face, I couldn’t believe what happened. “Being able to be in the ring with someone who people say is one of the best in the world,  is very rare.”Jarvis is a champion of Misfits Boxing, which homes to celebrity-style crossover bouts. And he returns on Thursday in Qatar against unbeaten Irish DJ and boxer Ben Williams. More

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      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling opens up on ‘difficult’ upbringing as troubled kid before becoming Premier League star

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      RAHEEM STERLING has opened up on the “great support network” that saw him overcome a troubled childhood to become a Premier League star.The Arsenal winger, 29, has a foundation in his name that funds knife banks and university places for boys as well as hosting mentoring sessions.Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling has enjoyed an incredible Prem career so farCredit: GettySterling had a troubled upbringing before joining QPR and then Liverpool’s academyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThat foundation is supporting a campaign launched today by Multibank – a nationwide network of donation hubs designed to help those with cost-of-living struggles.Several weeks ago, Sterling spent three hours with seven young men from Brent’s youth offending service in King’s Cross to act as a mentor, giving advice and telling his own story.Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica before moving to London with his mother age five after his father was tragically murdered three years earlier.A difficult upbringing – including being displaced by social housing and regular school suspensions – was turned around from the age of nine when he came across Clive Ellington, a volunteer mentor to young boys who introduced Sterling to his first football club: Alpha and Omega FC in Kingsbury, Brent.read more footballCharity Multibank said one million children arrive at school with dirty uniforms as many families now see detergent as a luxury item. And some 19 per cent of parents polled by The Hygiene Bank said their kids have missed school in the past year because of shame over unwashed clothes, creating a classroom divide.Children are also isolated and made fun of with nasty comments due to poor hygiene, teachers say.On meeting Ellington, Sterling – who also has 82 caps for England – explained: “It was a real difficult period for me in my schooling because it was a time I was getting expelled from school.Most read in Football“I was moving schools, moving around a lot. [Ellington] was a massive help for me to kind of see a different perspective.“I always struggled because of circumstances at home that I couldn’t quite understand myself.“Those actions and things started to play a pattern in my school with my focus, with my behaviour and how I was within the school environment.“[Ellington] made me see different opportunities. I wasn’t too much into football before that. I wasn’t playing, just at school and stuff at home, but he brought me into it at grassroot level.“I was starting to smile again and having a place that I could express myself was a real weight off my shoulder.“Looking back now, it’s easier to see, but as a child you’re probably not understanding what’s going on, but at the same time, taking in what’s going on.“So, you can’t quite understand how to interpret that in your speech and how to communicate that with people.”At 11-years-old, Sterling was picked up by academy systems at Queens Park Rangers and then Liverpool, going on to star for the Reds as a 17-year-old.After seven years at Manchester City between 2015 and 2022 – winning four Prem titles – he joined Chelsea for around £50m before joining the Gunners on loan this summer.Sterling continued: “I give a lot of credit to [Ellington]. It is something that is vital for individuals to have a great support network around them.“Year after year, the progress in my behaviour and in my concentration and just maturing as a young man.”Meanwhile, England rugby star Maro Itoje, who is also backing the campaign, said: “It’s our duty as a society to look out for those who are coming behind us.”Entertainment platforms Sky, Prime Video, TNT Sports and TalkSport have also joined forces to support the campaign.Tottenham are one of the first Prem clubs to also align with the Multibank scheme, focusing on affording basic hygiene products, with a donation bank available at their game against Fulham on December 1.England star Itoje is also backing the campaignDonna-Maria Cullen, executive director at Spurs, said the football club has made donations to its local foodbanks ahead of Christmas in support of the most vulnerable within the community.She said: “We are certain that our football family will unite to ensure young people in our area are able to build their confidence from an early stage in life by having access to basic hygiene products.”Andy Carpenter, head of the Harlequins Foundation, said: “Given our dedication to working with young people living in the poorest areas to address the deprivation-related challenges they face, it was a no-brainer to be a part of this campaign to support those most in need in our heartlands.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMultibank said: “With two in three staff expecting the level of hygiene poverty to increase in their school, we endeavour to get soap, shampoo, shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes, in the hands of those most in need.”The Multibank’s 2024 Christmas campaign is designed to raise awareness and respond to rising issues of hygiene poverty. For more information visit: https://themultibank.co.uk/ More

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      in Soccer

      Mats Hummels’ ex-wife opens up on struggles before he moved on with Victoria’s Secret model 11 years his junior

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      MATS HUMMELS’ ex-wife has opened up about her struggles with mental health, revealing she felt “powerless” during bouts of depression.TV presenter and influencer Cathy Fischer, 36, met Borussia Dortmund defender Hummels, 35, at the age of 19 and they married in 2015.Mats Hummels’ ex-wife Cathy Fischer, right, has opened up about her mental health strugglesCredit: Bongarts – GettyThe couple were married for seven years and have a son togetherCredit: Getty Images – GettyCathy has revealed she sometimes felt ‘numb’ during their relationshipCredit: InstagramHummels recently went public with Victoria’s Secret Model Nicola CavanisCredit: GettyTheir son was born three years later, but they separated in 2022 and the divorce was finalised by the end of the year.At the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris last month, former Germany international Hummels – who now plays for Roma – went public with Victoria’s Secret Model Nicola Cavanis, 25.It is understood the pair have been dating since last year.Now Cathy has revealed the challenges she went through in her relationship with Hummels and how she struggled to love him during those times.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking at BILD’s Women’s Mental Health Summit in Berlin, she said: “Who knows what it looks like inside me?”A mental illness has no face, it hides behind the most beautiful curtain.”Before she went on to add: “I had conversations with my ex-husband at the time, of course, and I often said: ‘I’m sorry that I’m acting so strangely at the moment, but I’m just not feeling well. I can’t show you love right now’. You feel numb.”It does something to you when you realise you are powerless against these emotions.”Most read in FootballCathy used to pose for Playboy and was named Germany’s Wag of the Year in 2013.She says she has now “learned to deal with [her] nature” without using treatment or medication to combat her mental health issues.Watch Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi’s insane skill before PSG clash leave Mats Hummels on floor in shock Cathy says mental illness ‘hides behind the most beautiful curtain’Credit: instagramNicola is understood to have been dating Hummels since last yearCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLAMeanwhile, Hummels’ new partner Nicola shot to fame in her homeland after starring in a Nivea advert in 2021.She has since represented brands like Victoria’s Secret, Puma, MCM, New Yorker and Tchibo.Nicola, who is an Augsburg fan, also has a huge following on social media, boasting 1.9 million on Instagram and 500,000 on TikTok.Nicola became famous after appearing in a Nivea advert three years agoCredit: INSTAGRAM @NICOLA More

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      in Motorsport

      Michael Schumacher’s F1 star son Mick opens up on life with dad after accident and reveals ‘I had to find my own feet’

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      MICHAEL SCHUMACHER’S son Mick has candidly opened up on life after his dad’s devastating ski accident in a rare interview.Schumacher’s family have been fiercely private when it comes to Michael’s health since he sustained life-changing injuries in the French Alps in 2013.Mick Schumacher has opened up on his relationship with his dad in a rare book interviewThe 25-year-old heartbreakingly revealed: ‘I had to find my own feet’Schumacher is arguably the greatest driver in F1 historyHis long-term wife Corinna has even created a so-called inner circle made up of a selective group of Schumacher’s family and closest friends.Mick, who was only 14 at the time of his dad’s accident, pursued his dream of reaching F1 without the icon’s guidance.He raced with Haas for two seasons before becoming a reserve driver for Mercedes in 2023, the team his dad came out of retirement to race for between 2010 and 2012.In a new book “Inside Mercedes F1”, author Matt Whyman, who had unrestricted access to the team, includes a conversation with Mick about his father’s influence.READ MORE ON F1The 25-year-old told Whyman: “I was a crazy kid – everything my dad did, I did.”He was really supportive and a lot of fun, but could also be challenging. “One time in a karting race I braked very late going into a corner and gained a lot of time. When I told him about it, he said, ‘Yes, but you should have braked like that in every corner!’.”Whenever he felt like I was not taking it seriously, he would say, ‘Mick, would you rather go and play football with your friends? If so, we do not need to do all of this’.Most read in MotorsportFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I insisted that I wanted to race and he said, ‘Okay, then let’s do it properly’. So we started doing more European karting and I was getting better.”Mick later explained that learned “a lot of technical points” from his dad that he “still uses today”.Formula One’s Highest EarnersHe added: “I started racing in the Formula classes the year after the accident and from that point onwards, I had to find my own feet.”I started karting aged three. I was six when I first went scuba diving. Aged 10 I was skydiving. “My dad was always very open to me trying out whatever I wanted to do and racing is all I wanted to do, because I enjoyed it the most.”Schumacher fell metres away from a popular ski slope that resulted in critical head injuries when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.The F1 legend fractured his skull on another rock and was left with a brain injury. He was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma after surgery on his brain.Schumacher is being cared for by his wife CorrinaThe F1 legend had a tragic ski accident 11 years agoThe coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Schumacher hasn’t been seen publicly since the accident or even heard from.But he is said to have recently broke cover to attend his daughter’s wedding that was held at the family’s £27m mansion in Majorca.Mick, who also attended his sister Gina’s nuptials, is dating model Laila Hasonovich.The Bosnian-born social media star was forced to rubbish the rumours surrounding her and the Mercedes reserve driver’s engagement this week.In a post on her Instagram showing off her jewellery, she wrote: “And no it’s not an engagement ring u guys.”Hasonovich, 23, has reportedly been let into the inner circle of people who are able to see Schumacher.The lingerie model was given the vote of confidence before Gina Schumacher’s wedding.Meawnwhile, unlike the successes enjoyed by his dad, who shares the record with Lewis Hamilton (seven) for the most titles, F1 has proven an unforgiving environment for Mick. He looks set for another season on the sidelines after failing to win a permanent seat for the upcoming campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was reportedly an option for the vacant Sauber seat – however that has now been taken up by F2 talent Gabriel Bortoleto.He was also snubbed by Williams when they needed a replacement for the under-performing Logan Sargeant, but they instead opted for Franco Colapinto.Mick Schumacher with his girlfriend Laila HasanovicF1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season so far:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio PerezFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and TBCHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

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      in Soccer

      League One star reveals he stopped a stranger from ending his life in chance meeting by train tracks

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      JAMES BROPHY knows better than most that people can become so desperate they think life is no longer worth living.If the truth of that was ever brought home to him, it was on Easter Sunday morning this year — when he stopped a stranger from ending it all.James Brophy has opened up about the emotional moment with the strangerCredit: RexAnd while the Cambridge winger did not exactly start this season full of joy himself after a nightmare start, he declared: “One point from your first nine games? That’s just football.“What that man was going through that morning, that’s something very different all together.“People can find themselves in some very dark places and I’m afraid mental health issues are something I’m all too familiar with.“My grandfather suffered from depression and one of my brothers suffers from it too — so I know how really tough that can be.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“So if I would ever see someone considering what that man was considering, I would always stop.“I was speaking to him probably for about 20 to 30 minutes, just trying to talk to him about life, really.“I said to him: ‘Look, I can’t feel your pain, or I can’t compare what you’re feeling’.“But I told him about stuff that’s happened in my family and friends and shared stories with him.Most read in EFLMacauley Bonne also spoke to the stranger after arriving at the sceneCredit: Rex“Then the police arrived and about 30 minutes later, a police counsellor came and she was really good.“She took over the conversation from me and got him to a place where he was able to sit on the kerb.“When I got to him he was on the bridge with a railway track on it that takes you into Cambridge. He was on the other side of the barrier on the railway side, ready to jump.“In fairness to the policewoman, I couldn’t talk him into getting over the other side of the barrier.“My team-mate Macauley Bonne turned up too — he had seen my car and thought it had broken down. He was a big help through it all, talking to the bloke.“I’m just glad the police were able to get him safe and away — I just did what I thought needed to be done.“You can say what you like about that morning and my role in it.“But what else could I have done but stop? In my mind it was just the right thing do and I’d do it again.”The 30-year-old and Bonne, 29, later got a visit from Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson in praise of their actions — while the club called the pair “inspirational”.And things have lightened up on the pitch too after that terrible start.The U’s have won three games in a row without conceding a goal going into Saturday’s clash at Peterborough.Brophy even scored his first goal in three years to see off Woking in last week’s 1–0 FA Cup first-round win.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “In football just like in life, you’ve got to just keep on going no matter the challenges — a bit like me not scoring for so long!“Garry Monk’s a top manager, we’ve got good players here — sometimes things can come down to the finest of margins. It’s how you deal with tough times and we’ve shown we can do that.”Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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      in Soccer

      I had two choices – either pick up the phone and ask for help or die, admits ex-Man City midfielder Jeff Whitley

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      JEFF WHITLEY has bravely opened up about his battle with addiction and recovery from the depths of despair.The 45-year-old starred for Manchester City and Sunderland and earned 20 caps for Northern Ireland between 1997-2005.Jeff Whitley has shared details about his recoveryCredit: Dave Pinegar – The SunWhitley’s cocaine use began during his addiction to alcoholBut behind the scenes, battles with alcohol and drugs led to problems off the pitch, including bankruptcy and a spell in rehab.Now in a position to help others, Whitley, who is the PFA’S player welfare executive, wants to raise awareness of the dangers behind addiction.He told the BBC: “Nearly every club had moved me on because of the off the pitch antics. Not being able to keep it together or say no to some of the times I went out.”I didn’t know how to keep it under control or even understand what the problem was.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Eventually the drink and the drugs really started to escalate.”I had two choices. I either keep doing what I’m doing and maybe die, or I pick up the phone and ask for help.”After getting to the point of where he was “sick of feeling this way”, Whitley knew he had to make a change.He phoned the Professional Footballers’ Association for help and, in a time frame that left him “amazed”, he was assessed by Sporting Chance before going through treatment and rehab for 26 days.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe exclusively revealed to The Sun in 2019: “I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and thought, ‘I don’t know who that guy is.’ I’d completely lost myself.”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.”Whitley has been sober since entering rehab, but still continues to attend AA meetings and therapy.Former Man City midfielder Whitley now devotes his time to helping othersAnd after years of drug taking drove one of his brothers, Jack, to suicide in 2017, Whitley knows just how brutal substance abuse can be.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.He explained: “You’re almost chasing that high from when you first took it, thinking that next line is going to be like the first one you took.”The insane paranoia is mind-blowing. Call it curtan-twitching- any siren, any noise, you think they’re after you. It’s a proper frightening place to be. “Whitley was shipped out on loan to Wrexham and Notts County during the final three years of his City contract, before joining Sunderland in 2003.He explained that the Black Cats, and later Cardiff, then “moved him on” for his off-field antics.His growing addictions ultimately led to his international career coming to a premature end after scoring two goals.Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over England at Windsor Park in 2005 is one of the most famous nights in the country’s history.However, Whitley had to watch it from home after being sent away from the camp by manager Lawrie Sanchez for going out with team-mate Philip Mulryne.I was sick of being on this hamster wheel of living that way. You’re not living, you’re just existing.Whitley was still playing at a high level for Cardiff, but the damage was done. He would never play for Northern Ireland again.After being left jobless at the end his football career, he briefly worked in car sales before turning his attentions to using his experiences to help others.Jeff Whitley’s PFA WorkJEFF 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 programme provides a solution and 12 steps of how to live life and implement those principles into daily life.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.ukWhitley added that he understands that some players may not want to pick up the phone or ask for help.”I know how difficult it was for me to reach out. I was sick of being on this hamster wheel of living that way. You’re not living, you’re just existing.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you are abusing your body with alcohol and drugs, and stuff like that, then you are going to go one of two ways.”Some of the people are not at that point. Just don’t hesitate to reach out, that’s what I would say.”Help for mental healthIf you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.The following are free to contact and confidential:Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email info@mind.org.uk or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. More

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      in Boxing

      Adilson ‘Maguila’ Rodrigues dead at 66: Boxing world title contender who fought Evander Holyfield and Foreman dies

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      BRAZILIAN boxing legend Adilson “Maguila” Rodrigues has died aged 66.The former heavyweight contender passed away in Sao Paulo after suffering from multiple health complications. Adilson Rodrigues, left, during his fight with George ForemanCredit: GettyRodrigues passed away aged 66Credit: TwitterIn 85 fights, Rodrigues won 77, lost seven, drew once and scored 61 career knockouts. He held various Brazilian and South American titles, facing some of boxing’s best during his time. In 1989, he was beaten by American great Evander Holyfield and George Foreman a year later, losing both in round two. But Rodrigues also beat former cruiserweight world champion and now Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson in 1995. READ MORE IN BOXINGHis last fight came in 2000, losing to countryman Daniel Frank. After retiring – 13 years later – Rodrigues was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a neurodegenerative disease that affects many former fighters after years of head trauma. Symptoms include memory loss and confusion, which intensifies over time. Most read in BoxingWhat is CTE?By Jennifer Roback and Penelope MinCTE refers to a brain degeneration caused by frequent head traumas.Other elements may play a role, including genetics, but exact factors are yet to be discovered, as reported by the Boston University CTE Center.CTE is only diagnosed through an autopsy of the brain and is known to be a rather rare disease.It is most commonly found in athletes, including football players and boxers.Some symptoms of CTE include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and progressive dementia.These signs can begin to appear after years or even decades after the last brain trauma.In 2018, with his family’s consent, Rodrigues decided to donate his brain to scientific research after his death. It will allow researchers at the University of Sao Paulo to study the impact of repeated trauma on the brain.Rodrigues spent his last days at the Anjos de Deus Therapeutic Center in Itu receiving specialised care. Netflix unveil official promotional trailer for Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2 More