It’s a fact of modern day sports: suffer a humiliating loss and expect the social media comments to roll in.
Some will be helpful and comforting, others will be brutal and piercing. It’s the latter that Broncos skipper Darius Boyd is worried about.
“It’s disappointing because someone will probably do something silly and take their own life for mental health issues," he told Fox Sports.
“I’m a big advocate for that (mental health). That might have to happen, which is very unfortunate if it does, for people to lay off on social media or mainstream media.”
Since 2018, Boyd has been a passionate advocate for mental health in the sport after admitting to his own struggles. Struggles that almost ended his marriage and his career. Struggles that he says he mostly suffered in silence.
The context for his latest comments is of course the Bronco’s 58 -point demolition at the hands of the Eels, ending a tumultuous season for the Brisbane side. Boyd, who made the move from full-back to the halves mid-season has been criticised for the team’s lack of direction and punch.
However, Boyd says that with a pre-seaon under his belt, he feels confident the he and the club have a bright future.
“It’s on the back of a strong forward pack and some young outside backs. Whatever happens next year, the club’s got a bright future.”
While he’s worried about others, Boyd says that the comments won’t get to him.
"Negative talk isn't great but I don't live in a rugby league bubble. I've got a great support network," Boyd said.
"I've got a kind heart, I care about other people. I've got a really positive mindset and I think about gratitude all the time.”
Unfortunately I agree with him. Mental health is real. Trolls are real. Keyboard warriors are cowards. These players have loved ones, who reads the crap written about the players, and that effects them too.
The noises in your head are just going to get louder Darius.
If you can’t handle the truth, retire because if u think it’s been bad for u this year, wait till next year if you still are playing like a scared rat.
You want all the adoration, money and awards when things are going well but can’t stand the critisism when you stuff up.
You are professionals guys and if you kind stand the heat then get out of the kitchen.
Dudrius Boyd like SteveTwitOne, should tell the voice in his melons mind, 🤓👍to ping off and retire.
Says Woody the biggest head case on ZT 💩💩
Grow a back bone, seriously. You guys are professional athletes and are paid handsomely. A lot of people would kill to be in your position. So when you don’t aim up, cop the criticism on the chin and move on.
Leave the poor guy alone 28 games for Queensland, 23 for Australia and has won premierships. He might be at a bad stage at the moment but he can overcome it I don’t know why everybody is complaining when u got a player named Darius awesome Boyd.
If I was him I would retire now and go out a legend of rugby league and a future immortal.
Take me down I’ve seen it all Darius,
My hero
Storm_Warning…. wow, you’re not aiming high .. “My hero” ….really?
He’s no legend and he’ll never be an immortal …