In a statement released tonight by email, Nixon said that after 20 years of player management, he was taking an "indefinite break", and that he would seek "help, counselling and appropriate treatment".
The statement noted that he would "go to a rehabilitation clinic to seek treatment for a substance problem that has impacted on my life and my decision-making, particularly over the last eight weeks".
He stated that the break would assist him "to deal with a number of personal health issues. It is important for both my own health and wellbeing and that of my family to do so immediately."
Nixon has been at the centre of a storm after allegations made that he had engaged in a sexual liaison with the girl from St Kilda Football Club's "nude photos" scandal. The teenager appeared on Sixty Minutes on Sunday night and made several allegations against Nixon.
These allegations have made his role as a player agent problematic and have led to an ongoing enquiry by the AFL Players' Association, under the guidance of leading barrister David Galbally, QC.
Nixon stated that in regard to matters under consideration by the AFLPA, "I stand by my original statement in relation to this matter".
Nixon returned from overseas on Sunday night and made his announcement late on Monday night after consultations with family, friends, and colleagues.
He asked for privacy as he sought "clinical treatment" and apologised to "everyone for the impact caused by these recent events."
His statement follows:
"After 20 years involvement in player management, I am now taking an indefinite break to deal with a number of personal health issues.
"It is important for both my own health and wellbeing and that of my family to do so immediately.
"I have returned to Australia having spent the last two weeks overseas, where I had the opportunity to seek help for my personal issues.
"With the understanding and support of family and close friends, I have decided that I will go to a rehabilitation clinic to seek treatment for a substance problem that has impacted on my life and my decision-making, particularly over the last eight weeks.
"Given recent events and with the encouragement of friends, I believe it is the right time for me to seek help, counselling and appropriate treatment.
"While overseas, I have been in contact with the AFLPA and have stated that I will cooperate fully with the investigation currently being undertaken by David Galbally QC. I stand by my original statement in relation to this matter.
"I am so lucky to have the support of my employees and the players that I manage and while I know this time has not been easy for them I think it is important for both staff and players at Flying Start that I immediately relinquish all responsibilities and activities a player manager would normally undertake.
"I have full faith in the staff at Flying Start to operate as usual without my involvement.
"As someone who has been involved in the football industry for more than 30 years I understand the interest in this story but I do ask for the privacy needed to be able to undertake clinical treatment without the intrusion of the media.
"I also ask that the media leaves my family, friends, staff and players alone. I know these events have caused them enough distress.
"I would like to thank people for the enormous amount of support I have had both here and overseas.
"This is a significant challenge and one that I am committed to get through and coming out a better person. I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone for the impact caused by these recent events."
