The enigmatic Jamal Idris has been released from his contract with the Penrith Panthers, with many speculating the hulking centre will retire from the game.
There has been a storm of talk around Idris' future at the Panthers, with GM Phil Gould Tweeting as recently as two weeks ago that there were no plans to dismiss the former Bulldog. Idris had signed on for 2016 only days ago, however the contract had 'provisions in place.'
Idris' time at the Panthers has been punctuated by time spent off the field for disciplinary and mental health issues. In a 2014 game against Wests Tigers, Idris circled his ear to make a 'crazy' sign after scoring a try, before giving an unusual interview to Triple M after the game.
“(Things are) not too bad, just hanging in there,’’ Idris told the radio station. “You do what you’ve got to do, mate. I don’t go too bad for a schizophrenic.’’
Idris has not yet retired from the game, but Sydney Morning Herald journalist Danny Weidler suggested he will in a Tweet this morning.
Idris' next move may add to the conversation around mental health in Australian sports, particularly on the heels of Buddy Franklin's ongoing issues.
