Footy Hero Ian Roberts’ Health Shock And His Urgent Warning To Fans
Australian rugby league icon Ian Roberts has shared some serious personal health news, revealing a recent epilepsy diagnosis. The former Manly, New South Wales, and Kangaroos powerhouse, known for his courage both on and off the field, is now speaking out about the potential long-term effects of head knocks, particularly in light of a dangerous new social media craze.
A Personal Battle Surfaces
Roberts disclosed his condition while cautioning against the “run it straight” challenge, a trend that has already had tragic consequences. Speaking on the Today show, he connected his past playing days to his current health. “Repeated head knocks and concussions… the science is already out there. That’s damaging long-term,” Roberts stated.
“I can honestly say, in the last 12 months I’ve had a bit of an issue myself. I was just recently diagnosed… with epilepsy.”
He suspects his hard-hitting style contributed. “I reckon the damage I did to myself was not taking the shots [tackles], it was making the shots,” Roberts reflected, admitting that if he knew then what he knows now, turning 60 this year, he would have changed his approach, especially a conscious effort in 1990 to “pull off more big hits.” While he’s managing his condition with new medication, his experience casts a sobering light on the risks young people might be ignoring. “When you’re 19 and 20… you’re never going to be 50, you’re never going to be 60, that’s too far away. But the fact is mate, I’m now 60 this year.”
The Alarming “Run It Straight” Trend
The “run it straight” challenge, which sees participants deliberately collide with force, sometimes mimicking football tackles, has drawn Roberts’ strong criticism. Shocking videos have emerged, including one after a recent Sea Eagles match, showing fans involved in heavy collisions. This comes after the death of New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite, who sustained a fatal head injury attempting the challenge in late May. “This is long-term, potentially catastrophic consequences for young people,” Roberts warned, adding he would “absolutely” support a ban on the craze. “We can’t keep ignoring it.”
The trend has even spawned a professional competition, highlighting its growing, and concerning, reach. Epilepsy itself is a brain condition leading to seizures, and while causes vary, head injuries are a known factor. For many, however, a specific cause is never identified.
Echoes of Concern in the Sporting World
The dangers are not lost on other figures. Former rugby league and All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams recently apologised for an old post that seemed to make light of such collisions, captioning one of his NRL hits, “Playing run it straight before it was called run it straight.” After learning of Satterthwaite’s death, Williams expressed remorse, saying, “Please excuse me for my insensitivity. I did not know that had happened.” He also revealed he had declined to collaborate with “Run it Straight” promoters due to safety concerns, stating, “I wouldn’t put my kids in it.”
Ian Roberts’ candidness about his epilepsy, coupled with his strong stance against these risky behaviours, sends a powerful message. When a legend who played as tough as they come speaks about the potential for lifelong consequences, perhaps it’s time everyone paid closer attention.
