Brian Lake heads to rehab after Caulfield Cup toilet picture goes viral

BRIAN Lake is heading to rehab to put an end to a spiral of self destruction after a photo showing the fallen footy star in a toilet cubicle with a white substance lined up on his mobile phone at last Saturday’s Caulfield Cup went viral.

Brian Lake is heading to rehab after a photo showing the fallen footy star in a toilet cubicle with a white substance went viral. Picture: Sam Rosewarne

BRIAN Lake is heading to rehab to put an end to a spiral of self destruction.

A photo showing the fallen footy star in a toilet cubicle with a white substance lined up on his mobile phone went viral on Friday.

Lake on Friday night told the Herald Sun he has “put his hand up” to seek help from a drug and alcohol facility to confront his inner demons.

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The Norm Smith medallist and three-time premiership player will head to Asia next week to seek professional help.

The photo, which is circulating on social media, captures the ex-Hawk in a toilet cubicle at last Saturday’s Caulfield Cup. It suggests he’s about to take an illicit substance.

The Herald Sun has chosen not to publish the image.

Brian Lake will head to Asia next week to seek professional help. Picture: Buddhika Weerasinghe

Lake exclusively told the Herald Sun he realises he must seek professional help to deal with personal issues since quitting football.

“After recent conversations with those close to me I have come to the realisation that I need to seek professional help,” he said on Friday.

“The decision has come in recent weeks after reflecting on some of the incidents that have taken place and I must accept that I need to improve my health.”

Just two weeks ago Lake broke his silence on the events leading up to his destructive booze bender in Japan, saying the collapse of his marriage, and his mother’s death tipped him over the edge.

At the time Lake said he had hit rock bottom, only to court controversy again this week.

“I have provided insight previously around my struggles with alcohol and the decisions I have made whilst drinking,” he said.

Lake’s manager and old footy playing mate Marty Pask, along with the help of the AFL Player’s Association, went to work this week to get the former larrikin and lover of life the support he needs to move forward.

“Through the assistance of the AFL Players Association and my management I have checked into a clinic that will allow me to address these issues,’ said Lake.

“I appreciate the effort and support they have provided.

“I have put my hand up, asked for help and I will take great pride in getting myself mentally strong again.

“I ask that the privacy of both my family and I are respected during this time.”

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