The brutal disease manifesting among many athletes later in life | 60 Minutes Australia

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You don’t need to be a rugby league diehard to know Wally Lewis is one of the greatest players of all time. He’s not known as “The King” for nothing. Now though, heavy is the head that wears the crown. As Tom Steinfort reports, the football legend has a secret about the game he loves, which he and his new partner, Lynda Adams, have courageously decided to share with the world.
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For over forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Nick McKenzie and Amelia Adams look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
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[@hankgoldenshaft]

Wally broke our NZ hearts on many occasions and we loved to hate him as a player, but in those losses we knew we had seen one of the GOAT. Love and mad respect from NZ Wally

[@andrewthornton1945]

He broke every appointment Heart. Time after Time 😎

[@hankgoldenshaft]

@@user-gu4tv4hp6s it’s a cultural thing, like football is to many countries. We don’t care who else plays league/union in the world. And punting a soccer ball 70 meters and heading it ain’t exactly good for the brain either my friend

[@jordannn628]

​@@user-gu4tv4hp6srugby will always be #1 in Aotearoa gun.

[@shahwilloughby4603]

​​@@user-gu4tv4hp6swhat does that have to do with anything? Wally Lewis IS the greatest league player of all time. Even if that is only 4 or 5 countries.

[@mychannel5628]

I’m glad he’s bringing light to this issue. A lot of our NFL players have struggled with CTE. I can only imagine what the kiwi/aussie rugby players go through as they don’t even wear helmets. He’s helping a lot of young people 🧡

[@MrGlenspace]

No soccer to slow and to boring. You must not be American or Canadian to think soccer is big. It is played by kids and foreigners. Once here it is NFL.

[@MrStoudemire11]

​@@user-vk2wp4ot8hYou're the biggest troll on youtube

[@julienfroidevaux1143]

​@@MrGlenspaceThe USA isn't the centre of the world . What the previous poster wrote is correct .

[@no-barknoonan1335]

​@@user-vk2wp4ot8hOk cool story bro, what's that have to do with CTE? Why are you guys having an argument about an irrelevant topic, in a comment and video which is discussing CTE?

[@tewaewae]

helmets do nothing to combat CTE.

[@arvidyaganegi4538]

I’m a die hard NSW fan, met Wally in Melbourne, he stopped and spoke to me for 15 minutes and won me over. I still go for NSW but now I love Wally. I hope they find a cure.

[@igaudion973]

this neurologist is so wonderful. Bless her

[@roxannewebber9762]

What a class act! As extraordinary a human being as you are an athlete! I am humbled, and pray the world will see recognize you as the example we need to strive for. Hats off to you and your partner from Canadians far and wide.

[@matcole1975]

I had a chance to meet him at a state of origin. I was a young man. Absolute Gentleman. Bless you Wally. Stay strong mate. 💯

[@kentsullivan6877]

Hey Wally Lewis even if you don't remember yesterday there are a thousands of people who do, we can all take joy from who you are no matter the struggle we can all embody the inspiration you give. The gifts you have already given are far greater than the sum of any illness . Thank you for inspiring generations not only from football but from your life. 'Queenslander'!!!

[@timonkaple-wena6002]

Concur

[@shanewilson199]

Those memories he gave us are gold.

[@kaihotene6903]

The Man. The Legend. As A Loyal Kiwi supporter. We hated to love him and Loved to Hate him. Yet amidst it All he is Who he is. King Wally of Australian Rugby League.

[@danielparsons2859]

As a blues and Raiders fan I grew up hating King Wally but loving him when playing for Australia. Then when I was in my early 20s and washing car windows in Brisbane during a tough time in my life he stopped and gave me some words or encouragement. Telling me things will get better for me and then giving me some two dollar coins which were shiny new. Things did get better for me and I was amazed at how down to earth and humble he is. A truly remarkable and great person. Not a bad footballer either.

[@saintjacktar7242]

Strong on the field. Strong off it. Leader on the field. Leader off it. The absolute greatest player. The absolute greatest leader. An absolute exemplary man. The epitome of Australian Men and no diagnosis will change that! CheersToTheKing!

[@eduardowhitlam4179]

I always hated Wally as a kid... because he was so good...haha..since he retired I began to realize what a legend he really is... Full respect to you wally.

[@charisselinnell-morton4137]

I saw a male friend who was a well known Canadian hockey player.We actually attended a Hockey camp as 12 year olds. Nicest person you would ever meet and they made him a big enforcer for his hockey teams and then the NHL.He died of multiple drug interactions in his sleep. His brain was destroyed by CTE .

[@dana102083]

:(

[@SirOrganic]

How old was your friend when he passed ??

[@charisselinnell-morton4137]

@@user-uf8cb5do1k Yes I remember when he went to play for New York and he could barely keep up due his injuries and drug problem. His CTE was advanced.

[@charisselinnell-morton4137]

@@user-uf8cb5do1k I saw that on the Fifth estate and so bloody awful how these men have been treated as their own family has to fight to get compensation.

[@DinkyDiTruBlu]

very sorry to hear. best wishes and regards also to your loss.. contact sport is brutal. yes it does breed some strong men and champions. however, it can also damage them.. your story by way of his is important.. peace to you and your friend.. regards. brad , brisbane qld australia

[@ianord6893]

So sad to. See Wally Lewis with this awful disease. The greatest player I ever saw play rugby league. I admire you Linda as I know firsthand what it’s like to look after a person with dementia as my wife suffers from Picks Disease FTD, 4 years on my wife doesn’t talk and needs everything doing everything doing for her. Stay strong Linda, you have my full admiration.

[@SilentHotdog28]

Dementia is horrible, my nan and neighbour both died from it. I wish you the best and hope that your wife isn't in pain. Take care mate.

[@Vinsanity_93]

Didn’t even know he was ill, just happy to see him make appearances at games whenever, one of the greatest to ever play rugby league

[@rorigiles1323]

Both my Mother and my Wife (3 months ago) died with dementia. It's a terrible, terrible disease. Kia Kaha from New Zealand Wally.

[@SilentHotdog28]

Condolences mate, my nan and neighbour both did as well, it's such a horrible disease, I hate it.

[@donkereopa2039]

A true champion you are Mr Lewis. Thankyou for your contribution to the game I love so much and your greater contribution to science to help guys like myself who also suffering from brain injuries from playing the great game we love so much. Although I never played at the levels you achieved you taught me to give 100% in effort,respect for coaches players and people but most of all myself.

[@kastynm.9004]

CTE has been my #1 theory for the OJ Simpson case. I’m glad it’s being spoken about. Not enough people understand what TBI can do to someone.

[@patrickmorgan4006]

Are you saying that the real killer who OJ has been searching for might also have been a pro athlete? Any guesses who it was?

[@dana102083]

​@@patrickmorgan4006lol😅

[@kastynm.9004]

@@patrickmorgan4006 I’m saying even if he wasn’t the murderer he still went on to commit armed robbery… people with CTE are more prone to violence & committing violent crimes.

[@karinnotkaren8991]

I don't know beans about this sport, but I know quality people when I see and hear them. I wish them all the best and appreciate their gift to the world. Hopefully, his donation will lead to discoveries that help the next generation.

[@SilentHotdog28]

On field wise, I'd liken him to Ted Whitten Snr. from the VFL days. Tough as nails, one one of the best ever in their respective sports.

[@joycesayson4186]

My dad was diagnosed of alzeimers in san francisco 10 yrs ago, he was a retired navy surgeon & tennis player.. he is now 84.. we constantly talk to him & remind him of his family & friends.. with much love, hope he can fight this illness & give us more time to show him how much we love him..

[@masteryoda498]

This is very sad news, Wally Lewis was an outstanding player and he would often rip NSW a new one when it came to State Of Origin (and I say this as someone from NSW). Props to Wally for raising awareness on brain injury.

[@samanthacooper3097]

I wish my nan and pop could of watched this as I know they loved him and see the strength he has and could of helped them x proud of you Wally ❤️

[@robcousins231]

So sad to hear this. I'm from Ireland and a rugby union fan for my whole life. But I know Wally Lewis and watching his classic games for the Maroons and Australia etc I always thought he was the greatest rugby player of all time. And I mean rugby player, union or league. Things have to change. The media and fans are at fault as well for the excitement and roaring when a huge head high hit goes in and they commentators yell their approval. And the nonchalant way they ready when a player is wobbly on his feet after a hit, "Oh he's got the bell rung!". That all HAS to end. Stop celebrating vicious hits, especially to the head.

[@SilentHotdog28]

I think a big CLEAN hit is always going to be celebrated, but people are far more wary about head high hits these days, I've been to many Melbourne Storm games and most of the time whether it's a Storm player or the opponent that gets hit head high, everyone in the crowd is in audible and visible discomfort.

[@SM2005_]

Never even heard of this guy but such a tragic story. CTE is brutal.

[@clutch7548]

Are you Australian?

[@SilentHotdog28]

@@clutch7548 Do you know who Ted Whitten is? I only heard about Wally Lewis after I started watching Rugby League in 2016-17, I grew up in Victoria, you'd be surprised how little people know about Rugby League down here, it's similar to how little people know about the AFL in QLD and NSW.

[@koiabuilders8266]

As a kiwi we all are with him in thoughts absolute legend of the game #the king

[@arvidyaganegi4538]

onya mate

[@paulcollins5528]

The king immortal, on and off the field. Champion in every sense of the word

[@dadballers]

Respect for his humility

[@markkuman4673]

King Wally. I hope you get better. Our prayers are with you. Love from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬

[@khmerdetours6123]

i am a bit older than Wally but i gave up boxing at 11yo as i knew it was never going to end well,

[@davidhounslow7845]

I actually pity the people who stigmatise such a disease. People like Lewis are very few and far between in any sport. His love of Rugby League is one of passion and desire. I'm so grateful I got to watch you at all levels of the game. I wish you well mate.

[@craighambo]

I think it's a very important issue but the way the media tries to cash in on it is very saddening when you know they only fake concern for those involved.

[@bunnyluver2176]

It's crazy how we stigmatize any illness involved in the brain but we don't do that with any other organ in the body.

[@SamuelKalmet-yh8tg]

The real legend. God bless you.

[@benjifoyah5952]

Im a NSW fan through and through but Wally is one of the greatest rugby league players of all time. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to you and your family from PNG Wally.❤

[@alistairbanks6595]

Opposition used to try and slow Wally down by whacking him in the head. Huge respect to him for making this public.

[@janiekilkelly]

Dam he is the King, this dreadful issue and his courage facing his fans around the world just exemplifies his royalty!

[@bigrobbo75]

Wally Lewis , with Alfie Langer and Big Mal Meninga running off a Wally pass with Gary Belcher on the end . Those were the days indeed . As a Kiwi we loved to hate Wally on the field but you cant deny the Legend and the Real Deal he was on a field . I truly feel for Wally and his family at this time :)

[@arvidyaganegi4538]

onya bro

[@Adam-ql1xe]

I feel for you Wally A Lot of Rugby League / Union players from the past have experienced the same thing Its Great to see the Media putting a Spotlight on this Soldiers are the same with Ptsd I have seen my Father, Ex Vietnam Vet going through Dementia

[@jeannieluna3009]

Much love & respect sir.

[@Geraint3000]

Great man on and off the field.

[@natalienelson8681]

What a pleasure to meet you tonight through this program. You’re an all around lovely man. Love from America

[@timonkaple-wena6002]

Wally was a great player. He will always be in the hearts n minds of Queensland supporters in PNG. Long live the King 👑 of Rugby league. Respects from our country.

[@jackknight4020]

This is heartbreaking, wish you well King, wish you well for you and your family.

[@nicolaablett7790]

Bless you for speaking out It can not be easy Bless you The trauma the Doctor is also experiencing is so real

[@danielcassidy4481]

Wally is King, he will always be loved, he's a legend and will be remembered when others are not.

[@pokaquentinvagi2443]

Respect! Hang in there, you'll be OK 👑❤

[@raeperonneau4941]

What an amazing athlete, and more importantly, an amazing man!

[@maylynparker3509]

Wish him all the best

[@chanelopesu]

Sad to see. A true legend of the game.

[@jonathaneffemey944]

Thanks for posting

[@shinobi-Wan]

I think he's setting a great example for athletes struggling with these health issues by coming forward and acknowledging them. I feel like you can still love the sport whether football, american football, rugby or hockey or any contact sport and still see that it comes with a high risk to your overall health. I used to go to school with a guy named zack test who was a star rugby player, had a great career but had to retire early due to acknowledging that his health was at risk if he kept playing.

[@lyndonmills436]

What a man, the king has only got bigger in my heart Love the man love king Walley

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

I sustained 2 head injuries within a year of one another from a slip in the bath and hitting my head against the back wall/tiles, then the following year I suffered from Concussion after falling to a thick concrete floor. 2 years on, I'm getting Tension Headaches and I've cognitive function issues memory loss problem concentrating and other issues. So repeated head & brain trauma like this makes sense to me.

[@christophermills1733]

That was really sad to watch.

[@IE-sc8bz]

I remember being 6- Wally had just retired but was going around Mackay with the Broncos. I made my parents go to all the places they stopped for meet and greets. Wally remembered my name and stopped each time to have a chat. Even at the pub having a beer I called out to him from a window and he stopped talking with the adults and came over to talk to me and my parents. It is something that will always stay with me, an annoying child following you around all day but for the King it was important and not a problem to give me a moment of his time. You will always be a legend Wally.

[@samlim562]

Sad to see this. More and more players are going through this. Watched Carl Hayman a while back on a documentary. Heart breaking. Please steer your children on another path if you can. This is real.

[@GlennTheSadMarinersFan]

Every NFL player after death that has been tested has tested positive for CTE. Makes sense that other sports will have it too. I assume maybe Hockey and even Pro Wrestling will have it too. Maybe soccer? may depend on how often someone heads the ball? Boxing too.

[@thearmchairjournalist566]

A WWE guy who killed his wife and then himself had it, and a few NFL (USA) have been proven to have it too 😢 It’s everywhere now!

[@blogdesign7126]

I remember this stuff about CTE was initially reported as a political issue when it was first researched in the USA a decade ago. Now that is widely accepted.

[@AZ2PM]

The health benefits of sports far outweigh these negative ones, a perspective that needs to be kept. Glad Wally isn't suing the sport - life is about sacrifice and he sacrificed it all and covered himself in glory and reaped many benefits too. He could've never done it, become a truck driver and died in a car accident at 35. Living any life has its occupational dangers after all.

[@hb1338]

@@thearmchairjournalist566 Chris Benoit.

[@masteryoda498]

With soccer, it was more to do with the older soccer balls that were made of leather and got heavy when they got wet. But since the late 70’s and early 80’s leather soccer balls were waterproofed, and modern soccer balls are much lighter.

[@herbiemihaka6763]

He is the man I've watched him play way back with Arthur Beats Mel Mininga would had been fresh out of school Wally had all the game plans and he never backed down from no one he smoked a lot of ciggies Winfield if I remember correctly he inspired us here in New Zealand played hard that Man

[@davehurst3136]

I remember that as well. Winfield Reds from memory, I wondered at the time if it was a sponsership thing

[@peterryan7078]

So sad to see Wally suffering from this awful illness.Has a player he was without doubt the finest there has ever been.Breaking English hearts on many occasions. Good luck my friend

[@GhettoFighter]

He was walking in Belmore Sport ground back in 1995 everyone was heckling him I called him got his attention and yelled "hey wally" wally looks at me and I show him what was on my year 12byr jacket it was "king wally 6" the only time a player came at me with a high five that's my Wally Lewis story him ✋ a kid from the middle east is why I am still a #bronxnation till I die

[@dallaswatene5470]

He's one of my 5 My idol...You are in my prayers brother...I hardly ever show emotions...This one really hits home.

[@nimideniro8404]

He's Not Only King on field but off it as well.

[@robinengland5799]

What a kind and courageous man!

[@nobodyspecialfromkentucky]

Meanwhile the ones not playing and in charge our making billions while you all end up like this.

[@harryhanz1690]

Thing is everybody currently playing a contact sport has knowledge of these risks, yet they choose to keep playing.

[@thearmchairjournalist566]

@@harryhanz1690no, the enormous amount of money they can earn is making them ignore the danger!

[@blogdesign7126]

@@harryhanz1690 Its keep playing or risk unemployment. Not saying this was even easy to begin with for them the sports agents, trainers, coaches, family members put these athletes in that position.

[@TomAtkinson-gq2wx]

Being a former Jockey I also have the same condition as a result of too many falls

[@henryosembo6463]

Will always be a fan❤thank you Wally! ALL THE BEST❤

[@paulsambath9693]

Amazing man

[@Taurusboy07]

The human body is not designed to endure continuous trauma, be it physically, mentally, or emotionally. Being aware of the true essence of life can save many people their lives and how they suffer.

[@MrYub]

Wally getting upset he forgot to give a birthday card to a family member 💔

[@poerava]

The King. Total legend

[@katedaley8974]

My uncle (a former professional football player) had CTE induced dementia … he had it for a number of years before he passed away last year …

[@voulathomacos-lagonas8445]

It's really SAD.....could we have prevented this????

[@tekopants]

The Goat to me,grew up hating you🤦🏽‍♂️ year after year you tore Nz apart,you got me interested in Rugby league,spent my youth trying to be the best I could be,started hating you but after years,loved you,you were the best there was,hope you get well King Wally,always the Goat❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@annburge291]

Go Wally. You changed sport and I am sure you can help with the dementia prevention battle. Thanks for bringing awareness. Change the rules for football and stop allowing players to use their heads to butt the ball. Design light weight helmets with good visibility and allow players to use them. It won't stop all head hits but these measures would reduce them drastically.

[@laxmanthapa640]

Forever our king U will come out stronger then ever legend.

[@KinskyReggae1]

So sad to see this. Steve Mortimer is in a care home at 67 years old. Took some brutal knocks in his career

[@DinkyDiTruBlu]

Didn't know,.. very sad

[@stargazeronesixseven]

🙏 Take good care of yourself champ Wally Lewis! Thank You So Much for your decades of sacrifices to bring home the trophies for the Australian Rule Rugby Team! 🌷🌿🌎💜🕊🇦🇺

[@noooname]

Feel for Wally, wish him all the best. Another interesting doco about this is Football Concussions on SBS Insight Australia. Hopefully we get more policies in place to prevent this disease in the future.

[@williamdonump6666]

Sorry champ, our prayers with you

[@craigmoy5428]

A legend then an immortal now..... We all back the king 100%

[@upyourgame8549]

simply a legend of the sport

[@tasmaniancaptain7768]

Wish wally and his family the very best in his health battle, watched him in his career and wow knobody has matched him as the best nrl player of all time

[@c-qc-q2021]

Mohammed Ali demonstrated decades ago, that you can't bash your head repeatedly and not expect a negative outcome. Stay in school and study hard.

[@wekiwisdofly85]

Love from New Zealand Wally!

[@justablokeinabar2997]

Walley, you truely are a legend. My uncles played at your junior club. Your a legend of the game mate

[@lfcblood7054]

My mother has dementia and it’s been a 10 year to date process She is so frustrated, her body is fine, a tough woman growing up and now horrible to see. I hope as a new south Welshman that he pulls through

[@mickzammit6794]

First there was Wally and then they smashed the mold. No one now or in the future will be pure rugby league like he was.

[@Marius_vanderLubbe]

Good on ya Wally. Best wishes.

[@craigdutton6072]

I was in Sydney and met Wally Lewis ,he’s done so much for kids footy 🏉 you could write a few books just on the kids he’s inspired I’d recon 😎

[@RobertLewis-el9ub]

This doc is the best

[@matthewtengere7772]

God bless you Wally Lewis

[@mickcheetal3517]

Sad to hear this Legend :((

[@NiueanHoney]

Wishing you the best Wally

[@krisiotua223]

Love you Wally. ❤

[@carsonatornz6041]

Great human being. Kia kaha Wally

[@andrewthornton1945]

10 games for Wakefield Trinity Thanks Mr Lewis 👏👏👏👏🤙😎

[@The_Last_Ninja]

As a NSW supporter Wally Lewis frustrated us too many times to count while he was playing for QLD. When he played for Australia we were all in awe of his talent and ability, because he was on our side too. He is a great man who has done many great things on and off the field, all the best Wally we are all thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. The greatest of the great!

[@mftemontemon4522]

Thank you 👑 King Wally❤

[@MrLinwood68]

King Wally indeed! Kia kaha e hoa 🇳🇿

[@davewilson9738]

A true legend of RL,from a pom.

[@Chuck-4300]

It's hard to explain how much Wally means to us here in QLD , he is every bit The King , King of the North !

[@elizabetheaton3882]

A difficult diagnosis indeed. My heart goes out to anyone struggling with CTE and can't help but wonder if wearing helmets in the league would help? I know CTE occurs for American footballers too, so I'm not sure what the consensus is on this subject. 😢

[@malanpapenfus6667]

Massive respect to this man! But I am glad I sucked at Rugby...