Andrew Johns: My 12-year drug hell

IN A shock confession Andrew Johns has revealed he was in the grip of drugs and alcohol throughout his whole playing career.

IN A shock confession Andrew Johns has revealed he was in the grip of drugs and alcohol throughout his whole playing career.

"I took the drugs to escape from the pressure and get away from being a football player," he said tonight.

The league legend also admitted that he is battling depression.

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In an extraordinary about-face from his earlier assertion that he had no intention of taking an ecstasy pill, which he said an unknown person placed in his jeans pocket at a London club, Johns came clean.

"I was going to take the pill for sure," he said.

"I'm not looking for sympathy, I put my hand up. I've done the wrong thing."

The full interview is due to be published tomorrow, but earlier today the league legend's manager, John Fordham, said he had been "devastated" by his police caution for possession of the drug ecstasy.

Mr Fordham admitted Johns was lucky to have escaped with just a caution.

This morning Newcastle hero Johns issued a statement saying he was stupid and foolish to be caught with the drug, adding that he deeply regrets the incident.

Johns, 33, was stopped by London transport police on Sunday, found to have one tablet in his possession and was cautioned then let go without charge.

It is believed Johns had been to The Church, an all-day club at Kentish Town that is popular with expatriates.

In his first statement issued today, Johns "confirmed he was issued with a caution for possession of an ecstasy tablet in London last Sunday".

The statement, released through his manager John Fordham's company, said: "Johns was not charged with any offence by British Transport Police who apparently were conducting a routine search at underground railway stations following the annual Notting Hill Carnival.

"Following an interview with police he was told the misdemeanour did not warrant being charged and instead was given an official caution."

The statement quoted Johns who said: "He recalled an unknown person pushing a tablet into his jeans at a crowded entertainment venue last Sunday - his last day in the United Kingdom following a six weeks overseas holiday.

"I was having such a good time, seeing it was the last day before I flew home," he said. "I stupidly forget about the tablet and instead of getting rid of it I left myself in a situation I soon deeply regretted," he said.

"I have been a very foolish person and realise I have brought great disappointment to my family, friends and many people, including lots of youngsters who have looked up to me over the years. "It has left a black mark on my reputation which I will work very hard at erasing."

Johns was one of 206 people arrested for drugs possession in London over the British holiday weekend.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said in a statement late last night: "A man in his 30s was arrested and cautioned for possession of an ecstasy tablet following a routine police operation at King's Cross underground station at 4.20pm on Sunday, 26th of August."

In Britain a formal, or "simple", caution is not a criminal conviction.

However it is recorded on the police database and may be considered in court if a person is tried for another offence, the UK Home Office says on its website.

"If you are given a simple caution you will be officially warned about the unacceptability of your behaviour, and the likely consequences if you commit any further crimes will be explained to you," the website says.

Johns, who was forced out of the game in April by a recurring neck injury, has been holidaying in Europe and the UK.

He and injured Brisbane Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer were guests at the Challenge Cup final between St Helens and Catalans at Wembley Stadium the day before his arrest.

He had been in London for a few weeks and had accepted an invitation by former Newcastle Knights player Billy Peden to pass on his tactical and kicking knowledge at the Harlequins Rugby League Club.

Johns has also been working with the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup.

Don't miss our full interview with Andrew Johns tomorrow.