‘Personal issues’ add to May’s problems
MELBOURNE recruit Steven May has avoided a club sanction for drinking while injured, with the AFL club revealing the key defender is dealing with some “personal issues”.
Sidelined with a groin injury since round two, May was seen spending Sunday afternoon drinking at a Melbourne bar.
The former Gold Coast skipper fronted his teammates yesterday morning to explain his actions.
Demons head of football Josh Mahoney said May shared with them “personal issues” and the frustration of his groin injury, which led to the consumption of alcohol.
“Steven May has been dealing with some personal issues for a period of time now ... he made a poor decision on the weekend to go to a pub,” Mahoney said.
“It’s not a good look for him and not in line with the standards we’re trying to set as a footy club. He’s acknowledged that this is a poor decision that he’s made.”
May has faced heavy scrutiny since arriving at the Demons out of shape.
He injured his hamstring during the pre-season, missed round one through suspension and then the groin injury.
Mahoney said the 27-yearold key defender was frustrated by his inability to contribute to his new club, which managed just their second win for the season last round against Hawthorn.
“The one thing you want to do (coming to a new footy club) is be out there on the field and it’s been a frustrating start for him,” Mahoney said.
“Some off-field personal issues have added to that – it can be a lonely place in rehab and sometimes those issues become bigger ... we’ve got to support him through that.”