The Unspoken Costs of Fame: Steven May's Abrupt AFL Retirement Steven May's sudden departure from the Australian Football League (AFL) has raised questions about the toll that fame and scrutiny can take on an athlete's mental health.
As a dual All Australian, May walked away from his contract with Melbourne in March, just two weeks before the season began.
May cited a "mental breakdown" as the reason for his decision, which came after a grueling pre season and a year of injury and poor form on the field.