Alex McKinnon's brave move after devastating split with wife
Just a few hours after news broke on Sunday that Alex McKinnon and wife Teigan Power had separated, the former NRL player fronted up to work in a very brave move.
Danny Weidler first published news of the split on Sunday morning, with Teigan later confirming the devastating development on social media.
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But instead of shying away from the limelight and bunkering down, McKinnon still showed up to work for Fox Sports just hours later.
With his personal turmoil making news around the country, McKinnon conducted his duties as sideline reporter during the Knights' clash with Parramatta.
It was a brave move at a time when his employers would have understood if he couldn't front up for work.
McKinnon has been working for Fox Sports as a reporter and analyst since the start of the season after leaving his recruitment role at the Knights.
The 30-year-old was left a quadriplegic in 2014 when he suffered spinal injuries in a tackle while playing for the Knights against the Melbourne Storm.
Teigan Power speaks out after split from Alex McKinnon
On Sunday night, McKinnon's wife Teigan confirmed their sad split after 12 years together and five years of marriage.
“At this time, Alex and I are navigating this period of change together privately,” she wrote in an Instagram story.
“Due to our situation being made public without our consent, we are asking for our privacy to please be respected at this time.
“We are together concentrating on protecting our family and children. We have the utmost respect for each other, and are both very grateful for the people, as well as all of the support that we have in our lives!
“We understand the interest, but would really appreciate your understanding and ask you to please respect our wishes at this time.”
McKinnon and Power have three daughters together, all under the age of four.
The couple welcomed eldest daughter Harriet in 2018 and celebrated the first birthdays of twins Audrey and Violet together on Saturday.
McKinnon appeared alongside his family in photos Teigan posted on Saturday, but had been largely missing from her social media feeds in the months after Christmas.
Weidler reported that the "stress" of trying to raise a family together "took its toll on the pair".
"There is no ill will between the pair, who privately concede that after 12 years together, from the time they were high school sweethearts, they are now more likely to find happiness on their own," the respected journliast wrote.
Weidler reported that McKinnon declined to comment on the split but said he will do so when the time is right, acknowledging the public interest in the story.
McKinnon played 46 NRL games for the Knights, as well as three for the St George Illawarra Dragons, before his career was tragically cut short.
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