NRL 2021: Canberra Raiders’ Curtis Scott gives chilling warning before a player takes their own life

The darkest thoughts spiralled around Curtis Scott’s mind in a difficult 2020, now he has fired a warning to back off before a player ends their own life.

On the eve of the start of the NRL competition one of the game’s brightest young prospects has given a chilling warning for people to back off before a player takes their own life.

Canberra Raiders centre Curtis Scott lived through the ordeal last year. So clouded had Scott’s thoughts became he pondered the worst. It culminated in Scott and coach Ricky Stuart expressing relief when his season eventually ended last year because of injury.

“There were times I had enough,” Scott said. “I didn’t care. I didn’t care if I woke up or not. There were dark, low and alone times.

“It is a bad way to think. I had no control of what was being written and said about me. It felt like there were a lot of people out to get. The club and my family were the ones who supported me through it.”

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Disturbing CCTV footage of Curtis Scott being arrested. Picture: NCA NewsWire.

Scott was accused of assaulting police. He was splashed across front and back pages of newspapers, led television news bulletins and was trolled to the point he received death threats online. The incident occurred on Australia Day last year just months into his time as a Canberra Raider. Disoriented he ended up sleeping under a tree at Moore Park only to be woken by police.

The disturbing police camera footage shows a hapless Scott capsicum sprayed and tasered while he slept.

His charges were dismissed and is now in the midst of pursing civil action. As Scott fought the chargers he did so knowing his NRL career was on the line.

“I put myself in that position but I got hit pretty hard,” Scott said. “It wasn’t something that was out of the media in a week. It dragged on for nine months. I copped it and felt like an easy target.

“I turned up every day and worked so hard to get where I am. No one gave a shit about me or the truth. The media went extremely hard.

“Is it going to take a player to end their life for people to take realise how much of a toll it takes on an individual especially given my circumstances? What’s going to happen when a player can finally not bare the pain? I don’t want it to be too late.”

Curtis Scott was positive he had done nothing wrong and all charges were dropped. Picture: NCA NewsWire.

“How long is it going to take for people to generally realise we are human beings. I know it felt like people didn’t care. They pumped out stories and posted on social media.

“I didn’t hurt anyone. I didn’t assault or touch anyone. I genuinely just got lost and fell asleep under a tree. Everyone saw what happened.

“I had to put a brave face on. I knew inside that I didn’t do what they said. I put my whole contract on the line. I was told if any of the chargers stick I would have to be let go.

“There are more important things in life than playing rugby league. It’s a sad side of the sport. People can write, post or say and do whatever they want. If we try and stick up for ourselves we are the ones that look bad. It’s something that needs to be addressed.”

Complicating matters for Scott was he was still a bit of an unknown to the Raiders having just joined the club after premiership success in Melbourne. He was isolated and shut-out from his family and friends because of COVID.

Stuart noticed a distinct change in Scott as the public fallout lingered.

It was a rough year for Scott, who also missed much of the season with a leg injury. Picture: Alix Sweeney.

“I was still getting to know Curtis but until the incident I’d seen a guy who was a hard trainer and loved his football,” Stuart said. “I trusted him with regards to what he told me happened and we supported him as a club and supported him strongly but we had to wait for the court hearing to see what was going to be the end result.

“It took a massive effect on him personally, mentally and physically. He was weighing 95 or 96 kilograms and then dropped to 89. He couldn’t play the game to his potential at that weight.

“What he went through last year certainly changed him. I don’t think it can all be for the bad. He realises how important football is. How important it is for him to buy into what we believe is best for him to be part of our club. Curtis still has a lot of work-ons and consistency in his lifestyle that is going to be a massive advantage for his football. We are working on Curtis to deal with adversity and situations that arise. If I was a young player I wouldn’t be on social media. There is enough pressure on elite athletes without people who have never tried to be an athlete putting shit on you.”

Scott has warned people to ‘back off’, fearing a player may end their life. Picture: Getty Images.

Scott’s season was over by round 16. A badly broken leg ended an already disastrous year. Scott said part of him was glad he could take some time out.

“It was a relief,” Scott said. “It put me out of the limelight to focus. I was filthy I broke my leg but at the end of the day I was able to step away and focus on myself.

“I’m happy now. I’m tuning up with a smile on my face. It’s been a much easier pre-season not having that burden hanging over my head.”
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