On one occasion, in 2006, he and Eels teammate Mark Riddell turned up to a Monday training session drunk.

During the most recent off-season, Smith was involved in a number of alcohol-related issues, which resulted in him becoming a poster boy for the NRL’s apparent problem with binge drinking.

Smith realised his problem and was checked into an alcohol rehabilitation centre for Christmas, where he received professional help for his problems.

During this time, a number of ex-players, current day officials and supporters were busy calling for Smith to be sacked.

What everybody didn’t know was that Smith suffers from bipolar, which can often make it hard for him to control his moods and state of mind.

While he has never offered it as an excuse and takes full responsibility for his actions, Smith’s condition would have surely played a part in his actions.

Smith has realised that he is struggling to control his bipolar condition, and as a result is taking time away from football not knowing when he will return.

The expectations, the pressure, and living life in a fishbowl have all taken a great toll on Smith and he has decided to leave it all behind for his own well-being.

While Smith has had to face several tough periods as an NRL star, he would have also been there for the good times when he is in form, the team is winning and everyone is singing his praises.

Football is the only thing that Smith has known and the fact he is prepared to leave it all behind, shows how serious he is taking his bipolar condition and how seriously he is over football.

Another sports star who has shown he is human is Nick D’Arcy, who has just been kicked off the team for the Beijing Olympics.

While swimmers are generally regarded as some of the most disciplined and dedicated athletes in the world, D’Arcy has somewhat challenged that perception with his alleged late night antics that have left him facing criminal charges.

D’Arcy had been selected to represent Australia at the Olympics in Beijing, however, his behaviour following the Australian titles was deemed to bring Australian swimming into disrepute.

As we all know D’Arcy has been charged with assault and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm following an altercation with retired Australian swimmer Simon Cowley.

I use the word altercation loosely as D’Arcy allegedly broke Cowley’s jaw, eye socket and nose in what appears to be a brutal beating.

While I don’t know the ins and outs of the night I simply feel an athlete shouldn’t be given the right to represent Australia following such a heinous crime.

The team would have been disrupted, and in such a historic event like the Olympics, which are known as the games of goodwill, I don’t believe D’Arcy has a right to compete.

These are two differing examples of how athletes have proved they are human.

Tim Smith choosing to move on in his life for the better of his health and wellbeing while D’Arcy’s career may be over – which in time could prove to be the least of his worries.

TIME TO GO: Tim Smith was earmarked as a future great of the game from his first game. Columnist Charlie Whiteley believes the continued pressure that Smith has been under during his career, along with his bipolar condition, have lead to Smith announcing his subsequent retirement from the game.