When Kieran Foran eventually tells the story of his battle with depression, which resulted in his prescription drug overdose, it will leave the sporting world gobsmacked. But he has to do it when he is ready and on his terms.
He has to be in the right place mentally, and while he is moving towards a better place, he is not there yet. He is dealing with flak and innuendo, and there are some tough days ahead.
What Foran didn't need were the heartless and irresponsible actions of a media organisation, which sank to a new low after the Eels game on Monday night.
The Eels had asked media to respect Foran as he recovers. The television networks struck a deal to allow Parramatta to film his first training session back with the club and distribute the vision for everyone to use to ease Foran in. Despite one network showing up, no one shot a frame of footage.
However, on Monday night things got rugged for Foran when a network tried to pull a swifty post-match. They sent young reporters to speak to Foran as he walked to his car after the game. The first one fronted him with a mobile phone, under the guise he wanted a selfie. It was a tactic to allow a cameraman, who was lagging behind in the pursuit of Foran, to get in position.
At first, Foran said no to the selfie request with a "not tonight mate", but then he agreed to pose for a photo. At that point, the punter who asked for the selfie turned "journalist" and started videoing the encounter. Then he stared asking questions of Foran. At that point, the cameraman came rushing towards Foran's car. Foran twigged that he had been set up and got out of there.
To say that his blood was boiling is an understatement.
Parramatta's media people quickly found out about it. It is thought Foran called them to report the matter. The Eels complained to the network, who did a quick backtrack. An apology was sent to the Eels from the head of sport but, as far as the club and Foran are concerned, the damage is done.
