Martin Gleeson? Kin you know the truth behind his release.
I know rumours. From the usual to the quite bizarre.
I know he definitely turned up to training a few times drunk, and threw a punch at Madge on one occasion (the last time he came to training I believe). He's currently banned from driving for 18 months (drink driving) and has a history of drinking and gambling problems. I also hear he's mixed up with some 'wrong uns', but have heard lots of different rumours regarding this. The recent blackmail story is associated to this and there was even talk of a gang turning up to Wigan's training and threatening Gleeson and other members of the team (I'm guessing the gang were armed!).
He shouldn't have played the World Club Challenge game, and since that time he's been effectively on garden leave. I think there were legal issues regarding his sacking and he was demanding a pay-off and the club had to tread carefully.
Was a very talented player, but completely messed-up individual. Wasn't that happy when he signed for the club (being an ex-saint and for his match-fixing and drinking issues), but on his day was an excellent player and showed that in the Grand Final last season. He needs a lot of help, and from what I've heard Wigan tried all they could to help him, but he pushed things a bit too far.
On the other side, there's Gareth Hock. He was banned for two years for taking cocaine. He too was acting an idiot, but wasn't cheating or doing damage to anyone else but himself. Wigan have helped with his rehab and stuck by him. Apparently he has repaid that faith and support and has been training hard and is 'clean' now. From those close to the club, I hear that he's looking in incredible shape (he always was one of the fittest in the club and always in the gym, even when he had a long lay-off through injury) and is raring to go again. He's going to be ring-rusty after two years away from the game, but I think he's allowed to train with the team and play again from the end of May (approx.).
Wouldn't want to bump into him in a dark alley...
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