Andy Carroll says other high-profile footballers have been victims of sexual abuse. The former Newcastle United striker revealed he was sexually assaulted by a friend of his ex-wife in 2021 during his second spell with the Magpies.
Book revelation and reaction
Carroll made the revelation in his recently released autobiography. He didn't name his attacker, but it was subsequently revealed to be celebrity dance coach Kevin Adams, who was jailed for 20 months after his conviction in 2023.
The striker, who now plays for non-league Dagenham & Redbridge, had been in two minds over whether to include the attack in his book but is pleased he did, as it has led to other footballers coming forward and thanking him for speaking out.
Support from fellow players
Carroll told Piers Morgan's Sports Uncensored show: "The social media comments I've been receiving, it's given me a bit of support to say, 'Yeah go on then, get it out there' and people will be aware of this."
"Because no one talks about it. Well-known footballers and I've had a phone call off them, saying thanks. And for me, putting it in the book, it was the right thing. I must've had hundreds and hundreds of messages."
"There's actually people that I know really well and have come to me and went, 'A similar thing happened to me.' People in football as well."
Daughter speaks out
One of Adams' two daughters, Avia, 21, has spoken out about her father, branding him a "monster" and a "sick individual." She also apologised to Carroll and intends to change her name.
She told The Sun: "I feel really bad for him. I just think my dad is a monster. Obviously, I know it's not my fault but it's just like, that's my dad. It's just disgusting. And I'm sorry that that's happened to him."
Avia and her sister had little contact with their father after their mother's marriage to him broke down in 2011. Adams married Avia's mother in September 2005, six months after Avia was born.
Carroll's ordeal
Carroll revealed in his autobiography 'Owning it' that the incident occurred while he was sleeping, after Adams had declined to leave the house. Carroll threw Adams out before knocking him unconscious when he attempted to get back inside.
The 37-year-old said testifying in court was "humiliating and embarrassing and absolutely horrendous." He said: "It was eating me alive inside for so long. There's certain things you can't get over, and I'll never, ever get over that."
"But now I know that people can see who I was then, in that time, and what I've been through and they help me and support me."
