The following deals with domestic violence, which may be triggering for some readers.

This week, Wayne Carey returned to our TV screens.

OnTuesday night's episode ofSAS Australia, we saw Carey - a man described as a "football legend" in his intro - open up about his past. The former North Melbourne and Adelaide AFL player admitted to cheating on his former wife with a teammate's wife in 2002, before running away to Las Vegas. He labelled the experience as "one of the biggest stories about him" in the media, which "haunted him for over 20 years".

He then also admitted to "throwing wine on a girlfriend" in 2007.

But there is far more to Wayne Carey's story.

Wayne Carey SAS Australia 2022. Post continues below.

Video via Channel 7.

With Carey's past behaviour now front of mind, the question many have asked themselves is whether the opportunity to 'redeem' himself on prime time television should have been offered in the first place. Should second chances be on the table when it comes to assault convictions or allegations of domestic violence?

And when it's not a second chance to rehabilitate a public image - but a third or a fourth - it begins to feel even more uncomfortable. Especially when the alleged victim, Kate Neilson, has not been given the same platform and explicitly stated that she doesn't want her story to become tabloid fodder via a reality TV show.

Carey may have downplayed his alleged actions last night, but we must remember the real story behind his carefully crafted 'redemption arc'.

If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and, if need be, refer you to a service closer to home.

Feature Image: Channel 7/Mamamia.