Quote: CobraCraig "Going off his social media he has been training hard while in lockdown so seems pretty focused and he has a baby on the way too which should help him stay focussed. Does he have an alcohol problem? Or is it just a problem with binge drinking when he goes out and does drugs and gets in trouble? Ideally I wouldn’t want any players drinking but if they’re drinking at home in some form of moderation not close to game day it’s not the end of the world but like I said with Zaks past it does make you worry a little.'"
To be honest, I’m not sure alcohol is the root of his problems (though he has spoken himself about his alcohol abuse). It’s more his mental health issues that get the better of him, leading to poor decision-making (including drinking and posting expletive-ridden abuse on social media).
A new baby won’t necessarily help either. Looking after a baby is a stressful experience for many people and can lead to even more feelings of helplessness and anxiety. For addicts, this can be the catalyst into further addiction.
What we are seeing here is a massive warning sign that he needs help and support.
All this isn’t helped by the Zak’s history of homophobia, given his unprovoked abuse was aimed at a former player for being a hairdresser and who has been the subject of rumours about his sexuality. Whilst Zak isn’t responsible for others, it’s led to comments about Foster being “bent” and other derogatory remarks about his sexuality on social media.
Makes you wonder why Zak decided to abuse him, especially when that abuse was about his occupation that has stereotypical links to sexual orientation.