Andrew Johns – a hero forever tainted?

Does the revelation that rugby league legend Andrew Johns has struggled with a drug and alcohol problem for his career negate his glorious sporting achievements? As I watch an emotionally forlorn figure speaking with Phil Gould on the Footy Show, I don’t know what to think. He looks very, very guilty and ashamed about it, and it’s almost impossible to comprehend that as he brought great joy to the city of Newcastle through his on field deeds, off the field his life was the complete opposite.

In an nutshell,  all I can say is this – exalt people as your heroes and idols at your peril. Just like you and me, they’re fallible and will make mistakes. They may do things that are so amazing and outstanding, but by no means are they worthy of idolism.