Sam Newman shares tragic update on Rex Hunt
The renowned football commentator and former AFL/VFL star, Rex Hunt, has once again been admitted to a healthcare facility as he continues to battle with his mental health.
Just last week, Hunt made a brief appearance at a media event and seemed to be in good spirits. However, on Friday, he was readmitted to a care facility.
Sam Newman, a former AFL star and controversial media personality, has provided an update on Hunt's condition. Newman, who is a close friend of Hunt, expressed his concerns for Hunt's current state of mind. He emphasised the importance of Hunt taking a break from the public eye and focusing on his overall well-being – spiritually, physically, and mentally.
“It is well documented that I am a friend of Rex Hunt and I worry for his present state of mind. He should give himself a break from public life and focus on his wellbeing spiritually, physically and mentally," Newman said to The Herald Sun. "He is a good friend, and we all want the best for him.”
Another longtime friend of Hunt, former athlete, manager and former Mayor of Brighton John Locco, shared his hope for Hunt's steady progress towards recovery. Locco conveyed that many people are in support of Hunt and wish him well during this challenging time: “We are hopeful that over time that he can make steady progress to recovery and there are many people in support of Rex who wish him well in his current situation.”
In July, Newman had previously disclosed that the 74-year-old Hunt, who battles bipolar depression, was not doing well. He revealed that Hunt was under the care of an institution and facing a decline in his mental health.
Hunt's illustrious career includes two VFL/AFL premierships as a player and a successful stint as a football commentator on radio. He also gained fame through his television fishing show, which garnered a dedicated fan following.
Hunt has been open about his mental health struggles, particularly after being hospitalised in January following an incident on a Victorian freeway. He acknowledged the role of painkilling drugs in his life, which he became dependent on after a neck operation seven years ago. This dependency led to significant changes in his life, especially in his mental and emotional well-being. Hunt even disclosed that he had experienced an opioid overdose at one point, resulting in a rapid decline in his health.
In this difficult period, Hunt's friends and supporters continue to rally around him, hoping for his recovery and well-being.
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