Tim Smith Granted Leave

parragirl · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 6:51 pm Post subject: Tim Smith Granted Leave

Monday 14 April 2008

Pirtek Parramatta Eels halfback Tim Smith has asked for and been given leave on personal grounds at will miss Friday’s Telstra Premiership match against Manly at Parramatta Stadium.

Smith met with coaching staff and team mates after training on Monday to inform them of his decision.

He later confirmed he is suffering from Bipolar Disorder.

Parramatta Eels CEO Denis Fitzgerald commended Smith for his decision.

“We have been very supportive of Tim and his situation and we will continue to support him,” Mr. Fitzgerald said.

“It is good that Tim has come out publicly to say he has got Bipolar Disorder and that in this case it is important to know there has been no incident that’s triggered this situation.

“The primary thing now is for Tim to be doing what he and his medical advisors think is best for him and we will give him all the support he needs to get better.”

The below is a prepared statement that Tim Smith read out at Monday afternoon’s media conference.

Tim Smith: This morning I made a request to the club to be stood down from this week’s game. The coaching staff and club officials have agreed to grant me this leave. I have just had a meeting with my team mates to tell them of my actions and where I’m at.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 18 months ago and in this time have been seeking professional advice and taking prescribed medication to try and help me deal with the day to day life of someone with Bipolar.

I am not using Bipolar Disorder as an excuse for anything that has happened in the past or my decision today. However I am not coping with the constant media pressure and public scrutiny.

The hardest thing about this has been telling my team mates, who have been extremely supportive and understanding, as well as the Parramatta club, and my family and close friends.

Thank you.

http://parraeels.com.au/news/news1747.shtml

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Dippy · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:26 pm Post subject: Chin up Timmy

Good luck to Tim Smith i hope he takes the year off so the eels can get settled, i hope Tim can over come his issues and be a better stronger player for parra next season.

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TJC