Bailey Smith releases a statement after damning footage of him circulated on social media

AFL star Bailey Smith has broken his silence after damning photos and videos emerged of him with reported illicit substances.

Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith has released a statement after damning photos and videos emerged showing the 21-year-old allegedly holding a small bag of white powder.

An investigation was announced into the images. Hours after the investigation was announced, video footage emerged which appears to show Smith sniff an unknown substance.

In the clip, which you can watch in the video player above, a woman can be heard saying “I need a straw”.

Moments later Smith leans over, appears to sniff something and then wipes his nose.

The club and league will conduct an investigation into the content with the AFL said to be interviewing Smith in the coming days.

Smith issued a statement on Saturday afternoon where he confessed to “indulging in behaviours” following the 2021 season that have left him “deeply ashamed”.

“I have recently been made aware of the presence of social media content that shows me with an illicit substance,” Smith said.

“In confronting this, the temptation is to speak in vague generalities and avoid the issue. However, I am determined to learn the lessons of my past and be a better person in the future.

“After much reflection, I am now in a position to confess to indulging in behaviours in late 2021 of which I am deeply ashamed. I do not have an excuse for those behaviours, however the state of my mental health over that period post Grand Final dramatically deteriorated, and I spiralled out of control leading to poor decision making and actions at the time. All of this resulting in the leave I took from football at the commencement of pre-season training late last year.

“The depth of my emotions over that period, coupled with some of my behaviours, have reminded me that, as a person, I am still very much a work-in-progress.

“I know I have obligations beyond myself, not just contractually – but in terms of the example I set through the decisions I make, and I will be better.

“I have made mistakes. I am very aware of that, and I fully own it.

“I unreservedly apologise to my family, my teammates, my club and its sponsors, the AFL, my supporters and my sponsors.

“I have made mistakes, but I resolve to learn from each and to do all I can to avoid letting myself down, and those around me.”

Bailey Smith of the Western Bulldogs.

Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains also released a statement in response to the scandal.

“We are extremely disappointed to have observed social media content showing Bailey Smith with an illicit substance,” Bains said.

“This content was captured after the 2021 AFL season, while the players were on personal leave.

“We absolutely do not condone our players being involved with illicit substances and firmly believe players are well-educated on what constitutes appropriate behaviour.

“As a football club with significant influence, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest of standards, as we represent the community, our members and fans, our corporate partners and our other stakeholders.

“Bailey is a young man who has faced many challenges and pressures off the field in recent times which he has spoken of extensively. He endured a particularly difficult time towards the end of last year that ultimately led to time away from football.

“While this clearly does not excuse his behaviour, it is our responsibility as a Club to ensure we have supported, and we continue to support, Bailey’s health and wellbeing.

“We are encouraged that this year, Bailey has successfully put steps in place to ensure he can manage his mental health and be strong in his decision-making, while being able to perform to the best of his ability on the field. This has been reflected in his strong on-field performances across the 2022 AFL season.

“The Club has supported Bailey through this process, and we will continue to work closely with him and provide him the support he needs, as he continues his journey as a Bulldogs player.

“The Club and the AFL Integrity Unit continue to investigate the emergence of the content on social media and the context surrounding it. An outcome of that investigation will be communicated in due course.”

Bailey Smith of the Bulldogs. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Smith’s management has been contacted for comment.

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph believes the video footage will see Smith handed a strike under the AFL’s illicit drug policy.

“Bailey Smith’s partying video. Surely will have to take an illicit drugs strike. Other players in his situation have been suspended for between 2-4 weeks. How in gods name do you allow your mate to take that photo?” Ralph tweeted.

Last week, Smith was handed a two-match ban after he was charged with headbutting Geelong utility Zach Tuohy in an AFL match at Marvel Stadium.

He was reported late in the third quarter of the Round 12 contest after he appeared to intentionally thrust his head at Tuohy during a heated confrontation.

Last year, the NRL handed down breach notices to Melbourne Storm trio Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis, who were seen in a video that appeared to show them in a room with white powder.

The three players accepted the proposed sanctions from the NRL, which include a one-match suspension and five-figure fines.