Ex-footy star stops breathing in radio stunt gone wrong
Brendan Fevola was left struggling to breathe after a radio stunt. Photo: Fox FM
Former AFL star Brendan Fevola says the moment he stopped breathing during a bungled radio stunt was worse than anything he ever experienced on the footy field.
Paramedics were called to treat Fevola, 36, after he wolfed down a mouthful of hot sauce during a chilli-eating challenge this week.
The two-time Coleman medallist, who booted 623 goals at full forward for Carlton and the Brisbane Lions, said the stunt’s aftermath was the “worst thing” he’d ever experienced.
“I’ve done a lot of bad things and I’ve drank and eaten a lot of crap – [especially] over in the jungle. That was worse,” said Fevola, a past winner of I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!
I tore my groin off my whole leg, I’ve busted legs, knees, blown out ankles, lost teeth, broken fingers. That was literally the worst thing I’ve ever experienced.”
When a hot chill challenge goes wrong at your work.. think they were trying to pop me off… https://t.co/cHwiz96lRZ
— Brendan Fevola (@BrendanFevola25) February 21, 2017
An ambulance was eventually called to treat Fevola, a host on the breakfast show on Melbourne’s Fox FM, after the chilli caused his tongue to swell and his eyes to water.
He also vomited and stopped breathing, according to News Corp.
Video of the stunt shows him confidently spoon the chilli sauce into his mouth.
“You’re not even flinching,” host Fifi Box says, before Fevola’s face quickly drops.
He hunches over and starts dry heaving at the studio desk.
Old mate @brendanfevola25 had a pretty rough time taste testing hot sauces for listener Phil! You've got to see the video on our website 🔥🌶 pic.twitter.com/wJdagqTLJU
— Fifi, Fev and Nick (@fififevnick) February 21, 2017
Paramedics later cleared Fevola to continue hosting the show without hospital treatment.
A controversial figure during his 204 AFL games, Fevola has carved out a successful media career following his appearance on the second season of I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, where he was crowned King of the Jungle.
The Melburnian retired from football in 2011 but has continued to pull on the boots as a gun-for-hire, taking to the field for several suburban and country clubs in recent years.
Thousands have turned out to local footy grounds in places such as Yarrawonga, Coolangatta and Deer Park to watch the hulking forward ply his trade.
