Does this bloke ever learn.
Addict Fevola caught gambling
Fallen AFL star Brendan Fevola has been caught gambling — and been booted out of a casino — days after ending a marathon stint at a rehabilitation clinic to battle his demons.
In a move that could derail any chance of his return to the elite level, the self-confessed gambling addict today returned to Melbourne's Crown complex.
Nine News has obtained exclusive footage of Fevola's visit, which ended abruptly after he was approached by a 'responsible gaming liason officer'.
Reporter Brendan Roberts said the dumped former Brisbane and Carlton champion made no attempt to conceal his identity.
"He was playing poker for at least an hour," Roberts said.
"He was casually dressed, appeared relaxed and was chatting freely with other players at the table."
The revelation represents yet another significant lapse in judgement by Fevola, who admitted to a gambling addiction in April last year amid speculation he had debt in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"I just want to stamp it out, I want to get off the punt completely. I am seeking help and hopefully I can get it behind me," Fevola said at the time, explaining that he had been seeing a counsellor.
The 30-year old was believed to be continuing treatment for his addiction - along with alcohol-related issues - during his recent well-documented admission to a Brisbane facility.
It was during his nine-week stay that the Lions severed ties with their full forward, resulting in a confidential payout - believed to be worth more than one million dollars – that would finally enable Fevola to rid himself of debt.
Fevola returned to Victoria this week to begin training with the Melbourne Demons' VFL affiliate, Casey Scorpions.
Fevola's management company said the two-time Coleman Medalist was determined to prove himself again and had agreed to take an anti-alcohol drug for the rest of his playing career.
"If he drinks on this drug he virtually becomes unconscious straight away," Velocity's Peter Blucher told SEN radio.
"He has to commit to take that of course and that's a commitment he's given.
"It stays in his system for a couple of weeks and he's committed to doing that for the duration of his sporting career."
While his manager talked up Fevola's new-found resolve, the player himself kept quiet as he turned up to Casey Fields on Tuesday, only offering the words: "I hope I train well" to a pack of reporters.
He will talk about his sacking and rehabilitation on the Nine Network's AFL Footy Show, tonight
Addict Fevola caught gambling