The comments by former Test opening batsman turned commentator Geoffrey Boycott about cricketer Michael Yardy, who has returned from the World Cup with depression, have rightly drawn opprobrium from many quarters.
The Mental Health Foundation and former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, who has had depression himself, have attempted to put the record straight after Boycott implied that, if Yardy were a better player, he would be less susceptible to the condition.
Indeed Boycott went on to say that the Sussex captain must have been reading his comments on the all-rounder's performance, as if he was taking a perverse ownership of Yardy's illness.
Clearly, Boycott needs a little re-education. Or perhaps his memory is playing tricks.
Those of us old enough to remember 1980 may recall an England opener with the surname Boycott having to return home from England's winter series in India.
Not for him that curse of opening batsmen, the broken thumb. No, he was feeling "down" and "listless". A touch of depression, perhaps, Geoffrey. Never let it be said that Britain's most vibrant son would suffer that.
However, I have found those comments made at the time, carried in an interview with the Sri Lankan newspaper, Sunday Island, and they make interesting reading.
Come to that, it would be useful if he took a look himself.
Picture: Rex Features
