On April Fools Day, the fool atoned.
Gavin Henson apologised for his "inexcusable", drink-fuelled behaviour during a flight on the morning after a Cardiff Blues game, and he has been suspended by his club as they discuss what actions will be taken to reprimand the Wales international.
Henson said: "I have let my team mates, coaches, management, sponsors and indeed my family down with my actions.
"Drinking on that plane was inexcusable and I know that I must take responsibility for it."
A two-time Grand Slam winner with Wales in 2005 and 2008, Henson has however found himself the victim of his own vanity, as he has occasionally found himself ostracised from the game.
He injured his ankle in March 2009 and took 18 months of unpaid leave from Ospreys five months later, but has courted the mainstream and notoriety.
So here is a rundown of an eventful seven years in the limelight:
Charlotte Church, 2005-2010
His relationship with the "Crazy Chick" saw Miss Church give birth to Ruby Megan in 2007 and Dexter Lloyd Henson in 2009. However, in May 2010 Henson and Church announced their relationship had ended, only two months after their engagement.
Gav' & Char - the Welsh Posh 'n' Becks
Run-in with the law, December 2007
Henson was charged with disorderly conduct with three other men, after alleged "rowdy" behaviour. Travelling on the 19:37 First Great Western train from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, he had been summoned to appear at Cardiff Magistrates Court on 14 January 2008, but the case against Henson was later dropped by the CPS due to insufficient evidence.
Run-in with the law, 2009
Already before on April Fools Day, Henson was the fool after the BBC reported he was cautioned by police "in relation to the incident", following an investigation of assault at a premises after a night out in Cardiff.
Strictly Come Dancing, 2010
Henson came 5th in Strictly Come Dancing, where he won over the female audience with that ingeniously contrasting blend of a muscular frame with crippling shyness. Fire and ice. He even suggested in an interview his ideal date would involve a posh meal, then on somewhere for dancing.
The Bachelor, 2011
Arguably, Henson's career was already over when he signed up to this Channel 5 gem. Gavin chose Carianne Barrow to be his girlfriend in The Bachelor final last October, after he left singer-songwriter Layla Manoochehri heartbroken.
He told Carianne: "I've been looking for a long-term relationship. Someone I can give 100 per cent to and will get that back.
"Carianne, you're The One. I feel so lucky. I feel so lucky to have found you. you're so unique."
The couple split up last month.
Gavin Henson presents Carianne Barrow with the final red rose