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IMPORTANT // Please look after your loved ones, yourself and be kind to others. If you are feeling that the world is too hard to handle there is always help - I implore you not to hesitate in contacting one of these wonderful organisations Lifeline and Beyond Blue ... and I'm sure reaching out to our PRE community we will find a way to help. T.
10,000,000 Cousins threads [Merged]
- Thread starter momentai
- Start date
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
I'd be very surprised if the AFL let Cousins join another club in the PSD
It kinda defeats the purpose of sacking him if he can just pick up and go play elsewhere, I'm certain this would have been discussed between the Eagles and the AFL.
No club would ever punish a gun player again by sacking them if their final straw disciplinary action just benefited another club for nothing in return.
I'd be very surprised if the AFL let Cousins join another club in the PSD
It kinda defeats the purpose of sacking him if he can just pick up and go play elsewhere, I'm certain this would have been discussed between the Eagles and the AFL.
No club would ever punish a gun player again by sacking them if their final straw disciplinary action just benefited another club for nothing in return.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
I'm pretty sure the AFL can deregister a player for bringing the name and game into disrepute. I don't know where that would stand if it was legally challenged. Listening to Benny Gale, he seemd to infer that Cousins should not be sacked by his club unless he is proven guilty of charges. Said something oalong the lines of 'If he is guilty of charges then there may be grounds for being sacked'.
I'm pretty sure the AFL can deregister a player for bringing the name and game into disrepute. I don't know where that would stand if it was legally challenged. Listening to Benny Gale, he seemd to infer that Cousins should not be sacked by his club unless he is proven guilty of charges. Said something oalong the lines of 'If he is guilty of charges then there may be grounds for being sacked'.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
The VFL did it to Leigh Matthews over the Bruns incident.
GoodOne said:
The VFL did it to Leigh Matthews over the Bruns incident.
Bennnny
Punt Road End. The best place to watch The Tiges.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
Is his ex girlfriend related to a colourful PErth identity who has been linked to Cousins in the past?
Is his ex girlfriend related to a colourful PErth identity who has been linked to Cousins in the past?
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
Well I doubt the AFL tested him.
They have a policy where players can't be tested 9 weeks after season's end.
Ben's season was over.
I doubt he let the police test him...
crackertiger said:
Well I doubt the AFL tested him.
They have a policy where players can't be tested 9 weeks after season's end.
Ben's season was over.
I doubt he let the police test him...
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
Did the journos actually confirm this with anyone or did they just run with the 'facts' each other one was 'reporting'?
It was first repor'ted that he 'offered' to be tested, then 'wanted' to be tested followed by 'was' tested. I blame the journos rather than the WC or AFL unless they confirmed he was tested. WC are clearly now saying he didn't even report to the club.crackertiger said:
Did the journos actually confirm this with anyone or did they just run with the 'facts' each other one was 'reporting'?
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
The TV News ran 2 major stories:
1. Cousins, from Nesbitt's mouth "A Tragedy".
2. Children find a baby. killed, in a suitcase floating down a river.
ANYONE who thinks the Cousins story is a tragedy is disgrace to society.
Let's put it into perspective people ! Go to blazes Cus, go to *smile* blazes !
The TV News ran 2 major stories:
1. Cousins, from Nesbitt's mouth "A Tragedy".
2. Children find a baby. killed, in a suitcase floating down a river.
ANYONE who thinks the Cousins story is a tragedy is disgrace to society.
Let's put it into perspective people ! Go to blazes Cus, go to *smile* blazes !
Tony Braxton-Hicks
There are no stupid ideas, just stupid people
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
It will be interesting, once this has blown over, to see if Cousins does some extensive rehab over the next year and then nominates for next year's draft.
It will be interesting, once this has blown over, to see if Cousins does some extensive rehab over the next year and then nominates for next year's draft.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
It won't be interesting, it would be unbelievable.
Tony Braxton-Hicks said:
It won't be interesting, it would be unbelievable.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
I tend to agree (though maybe not quite so strongly!) Cousins has been afforded every opportunity to try to overcome his dependence on substances - opportunities I'm sure other addicts would love to have presented to them.
If he chooses not to make the most of those opportunities, there's not a lot anyone else can do. And no sympathy will be offered from this little black duck.
Red Sea Tiger said:
I tend to agree (though maybe not quite so strongly!) Cousins has been afforded every opportunity to try to overcome his dependence on substances - opportunities I'm sure other addicts would love to have presented to them.
If he chooses not to make the most of those opportunities, there's not a lot anyone else can do. And no sympathy will be offered from this little black duck.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
How does anyone know the efforts he's gone to? I would of thought flying to the other side of the world and entering rehab for a month to begin long-term rehabilition is admirable. For others it was nothing but a holiday camp or a place to run and hide. The fact that he has been afforded better support than most (not that we would all want the best for ourselves or our family in the same situation) seems an extra reason to ridicule, chide and dismiss.
It is a crying shame that someone (anyone) relatively young has thrown a great career and opportunities away and is now apparently fighting for his mental wellbeing. I suppose he wanted to be fired from the only thing he known since he was 16? Probably doesn't care about the public shame and disgrace he is bought on himself, family etc. I enjoyed watching him play and he was star that I would have loved to have seen in a Tigers jumper. I think offering a little bit of understanding and sympathy is pretty easy (and natural) and it certainly doesn't cost me or anyone else anything.
I don't condone what he's done. He's stuffed up royaly and will regret it for the rest of his life. Unfortunately now it seems he only 'cares' about drugs because he's an addict. It's highly regretable and a tradgedy for Ben. But there are some real heartless toss pots around here, happy to scream blue murder about bloody draft selections yet just at home viciously vilifying someone for failing the first step in rehab. Glad they're in the Tigers corner.
Addiction (by definition) is not something you turn off at the tap when it suits. From what has been reported he is addicted to a hard core narcotic and is not some 15yo caught smoking pot in their room. It's laughable and incredibly harsh the flawless characters who sit in judgement and say 'go *smile* yourself' you've had your one chance.Freezer said:
How does anyone know the efforts he's gone to? I would of thought flying to the other side of the world and entering rehab for a month to begin long-term rehabilition is admirable. For others it was nothing but a holiday camp or a place to run and hide. The fact that he has been afforded better support than most (not that we would all want the best for ourselves or our family in the same situation) seems an extra reason to ridicule, chide and dismiss.
It is a crying shame that someone (anyone) relatively young has thrown a great career and opportunities away and is now apparently fighting for his mental wellbeing. I suppose he wanted to be fired from the only thing he known since he was 16? Probably doesn't care about the public shame and disgrace he is bought on himself, family etc. I enjoyed watching him play and he was star that I would have loved to have seen in a Tigers jumper. I think offering a little bit of understanding and sympathy is pretty easy (and natural) and it certainly doesn't cost me or anyone else anything.
I don't condone what he's done. He's stuffed up royaly and will regret it for the rest of his life. Unfortunately now it seems he only 'cares' about drugs because he's an addict. It's highly regretable and a tradgedy for Ben. But there are some real heartless toss pots around here, happy to scream blue murder about bloody draft selections yet just at home viciously vilifying someone for failing the first step in rehab. Glad they're in the Tigers corner.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
Cousins sacked by West Coast
Dan Silkstone and Caroline Wilson | October 18, 2007
TROUBLED West Coast Eagle Ben Cousins was yesterday sacked by his club after being charged on Tuesday with drug offences believed to relate to a Valium-style sedative for which he did not have a prescription.
Cousins, 29, is due in court today to answer charges of possessing an illegal drug and failing to take a blood test.
A hastily convened meeting of the West Coast board unanimously voted to terminate his contract late yesterday, a decision ratified by AFL boss Andrew Demetriou.
West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said sacking Cousins was the toughest decision the club had made.
"It's tragic that it's got to this stage," he said. "But it was felt that it had to be made and we're sure we've made the right decision for Ben's health. He is terribly sick. He needs more rehabilitation and we felt that with the spotlight of AFL football off him he can get back to rehabilitation."
Cousins's former teammate Daniel Chick was arrested in a separate incident on Tuesday, but released without charge. A passenger in the car driven by Chick was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis.
The Federal Government used Cousins's arrest to again slam the AFL's handling of its illicit drugs policy, saying the league had allowed an appalling culture to develop at some clubs.
"Anyone who thinks that the AFL is doing enough in relation to drugs in their sport — in view of the events that have just happened — is kidding themselves," Sports Minister George Brandis said. "It is inconceivable that the AFL can remain way behind the game on the issue of drugs in sport, in view of what has happened with Ben Cousins."
Senator Brandis said it was obvious the AFL had shown leniency as a club culture developed in which recreational drug use was regarded as normal.
In late May, Senator Brandis and fellow minister Christopher Pyne met Mr Demetriou to demand an end to the AFL's "three strikes" policy on illicit drug testing outside competition, under which a player is not identified publicly until after a third positive test.
The Government believes that the AFL policy, which focuses on intervening confidentially to rehabilitate illicit drug users, "sends the wrong message" about drugs and that such an approach — which is supported by many drug and alcohol specialists — has contributed to Cousins's downfall.
The grandmother of Josh Kennedy — the 20-year-old Carlton player who was recently drafted to the Eagles in exchange for star midfielder Chris Judd — yesterday reflected the concern of some families about players being moved into the Eagles culture. "Right from when it was rumoured first that they would trade Joshua, I was very worried," said Kathleen Kennedy. "I was not happy with him going into that environment … Unfortunately, you don't get much say, or we didn't."
Mrs Kennedy wrote to Carlton about the trade, saying she would never forgive the club and that "they might think I'm a bitter old lady, but they've hurt one of mine and that's it".
Federal Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd called on sports administrators to "get their act together" on drugs, warning that a Labor government may impose a uniform national policy if they did not comply with demands for hardline consistency.
Mr Rudd dodged questions about the latest investigation into Cousins, but hinted at a tougher stance by his party in future on drugs in sport.
"We believe the right approach is to get all the major codes together with a consistent policy across the board," Mr Rudd said.
"We would look forward to that being the case and being the case soon, and if that's not the case, let me tell you, one needs to be imposed," he said.
Opposition sport spokeswoman Kate Lundy said the Cousins case was a reminder that the AFL had to do more to stamp out illicit drug use.
Senator Lundy said that if Labor won power at next month's federal election, it would convene a working group of drug and alcohol experts, law enforcement officials and sporting administrators to work on a new regime.
But AFL Players Association chief executive Brendon Gale said the latest controversy surrounding Cousins did nothing to dent his faith in the AFL's existing illicit drugs policy.
He said the association would support Cousins as he dealt with "a very serious illness".
"My concern really isn't about his football at this stage," Gale said. "Clearly, he has been challenged the last 12 months; he'll continue to be challenged.
"This is a very serious illness and it's going to take a lot of courage and strength and support to overcome it. But we'll be there to support him, as will West Coast and the football industry."
The Cousins case is one of a series of drug scandals to have hit West Coast in recent years.
In October 2004, West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr pleaded guilty to forging a Valium prescription and was fined $400.
With MISHA SCHUBERT, MARTIN BLAKE, AAP
http://realfooty.com.au/news/news/cousins-sacked-by-eagles/2007/10/17/1192300859486.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Cousins sacked by West Coast
Dan Silkstone and Caroline Wilson | October 18, 2007
TROUBLED West Coast Eagle Ben Cousins was yesterday sacked by his club after being charged on Tuesday with drug offences believed to relate to a Valium-style sedative for which he did not have a prescription.
Cousins, 29, is due in court today to answer charges of possessing an illegal drug and failing to take a blood test.
A hastily convened meeting of the West Coast board unanimously voted to terminate his contract late yesterday, a decision ratified by AFL boss Andrew Demetriou.
West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett said sacking Cousins was the toughest decision the club had made.
"It's tragic that it's got to this stage," he said. "But it was felt that it had to be made and we're sure we've made the right decision for Ben's health. He is terribly sick. He needs more rehabilitation and we felt that with the spotlight of AFL football off him he can get back to rehabilitation."
Cousins's former teammate Daniel Chick was arrested in a separate incident on Tuesday, but released without charge. A passenger in the car driven by Chick was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis.
The Federal Government used Cousins's arrest to again slam the AFL's handling of its illicit drugs policy, saying the league had allowed an appalling culture to develop at some clubs.
"Anyone who thinks that the AFL is doing enough in relation to drugs in their sport — in view of the events that have just happened — is kidding themselves," Sports Minister George Brandis said. "It is inconceivable that the AFL can remain way behind the game on the issue of drugs in sport, in view of what has happened with Ben Cousins."
Senator Brandis said it was obvious the AFL had shown leniency as a club culture developed in which recreational drug use was regarded as normal.
In late May, Senator Brandis and fellow minister Christopher Pyne met Mr Demetriou to demand an end to the AFL's "three strikes" policy on illicit drug testing outside competition, under which a player is not identified publicly until after a third positive test.
The Government believes that the AFL policy, which focuses on intervening confidentially to rehabilitate illicit drug users, "sends the wrong message" about drugs and that such an approach — which is supported by many drug and alcohol specialists — has contributed to Cousins's downfall.
The grandmother of Josh Kennedy — the 20-year-old Carlton player who was recently drafted to the Eagles in exchange for star midfielder Chris Judd — yesterday reflected the concern of some families about players being moved into the Eagles culture. "Right from when it was rumoured first that they would trade Joshua, I was very worried," said Kathleen Kennedy. "I was not happy with him going into that environment … Unfortunately, you don't get much say, or we didn't."
Mrs Kennedy wrote to Carlton about the trade, saying she would never forgive the club and that "they might think I'm a bitter old lady, but they've hurt one of mine and that's it".
Federal Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd called on sports administrators to "get their act together" on drugs, warning that a Labor government may impose a uniform national policy if they did not comply with demands for hardline consistency.
Mr Rudd dodged questions about the latest investigation into Cousins, but hinted at a tougher stance by his party in future on drugs in sport.
"We believe the right approach is to get all the major codes together with a consistent policy across the board," Mr Rudd said.
"We would look forward to that being the case and being the case soon, and if that's not the case, let me tell you, one needs to be imposed," he said.
Opposition sport spokeswoman Kate Lundy said the Cousins case was a reminder that the AFL had to do more to stamp out illicit drug use.
Senator Lundy said that if Labor won power at next month's federal election, it would convene a working group of drug and alcohol experts, law enforcement officials and sporting administrators to work on a new regime.
But AFL Players Association chief executive Brendon Gale said the latest controversy surrounding Cousins did nothing to dent his faith in the AFL's existing illicit drugs policy.
He said the association would support Cousins as he dealt with "a very serious illness".
"My concern really isn't about his football at this stage," Gale said. "Clearly, he has been challenged the last 12 months; he'll continue to be challenged.
"This is a very serious illness and it's going to take a lot of courage and strength and support to overcome it. But we'll be there to support him, as will West Coast and the football industry."
The Cousins case is one of a series of drug scandals to have hit West Coast in recent years.
In October 2004, West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr pleaded guilty to forging a Valium prescription and was fined $400.
With MISHA SCHUBERT, MARTIN BLAKE, AAP
http://realfooty.com.au/news/news/cousins-sacked-by-eagles/2007/10/17/1192300859486.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
This is a tragedy.
Yes i know there are other things happening around us, around the world and lets put things into perspective. True.
But lets try and see this from a yound man who now has thrown the only thing he has known as a young man- football. Thus has been taken away from him now and who knows how he will react. We are talking about a young man's mental health now.
He faces court today so there may be more to add to this by the end of today.
Anyone who has any addiction, of any sort, will know this isnt just going to go away easily for him. When his mate Mainwaring died, from circumstances we may never now the truth of(and we need not know), this kept Cousins in perth, instead of leaving to continue his re-hab. I think west coast failed him in this regard. They mentioned that they thought he was away, that he was on leave, out of the country. How can you not know if your most valuable player (one of at his peak) was in town or not?
I feel for him in a way and then i dont. I guess having two young boys of my own who no longer are with me, whom i have no control of what they do in their lives i guess brings the softer side out of me.
Its a pity that he has been lost to the game. And at a young age he faces an unhill battle, just to survive let alone his addiction. Yes he had his chances, so many, but more should have been done sooner before the drug episode and sending him to the u.s.a.
I consider him a more brilliant footballer than judd. 4 b& f , brownlow to judd's one .At his peak he was a joy to watch.
The sharks they prey on him, the media, the drug dealers dont care about you or me or cousins.
It shows how quickly you can fall from grace, the player that had it all, looks, body, could play too, everything at his feet, how easy it is to fall prey to outside influences and that even they are himan and can fall like the rest of us.
Now with this happening i guess inside he may have wanted(to be sacked). Maybe a cry for help, but now the journey begins for him to firstly get well , both physically and mentally and with good people by his side. It would do him good if his family took away from perth for his biggest battle for his life starts now and football pales in significance.
All the best cousins.
We all truly wish you a speedy recovery.
This is a tragedy.
Yes i know there are other things happening around us, around the world and lets put things into perspective. True.
But lets try and see this from a yound man who now has thrown the only thing he has known as a young man- football. Thus has been taken away from him now and who knows how he will react. We are talking about a young man's mental health now.
He faces court today so there may be more to add to this by the end of today.
Anyone who has any addiction, of any sort, will know this isnt just going to go away easily for him. When his mate Mainwaring died, from circumstances we may never now the truth of(and we need not know), this kept Cousins in perth, instead of leaving to continue his re-hab. I think west coast failed him in this regard. They mentioned that they thought he was away, that he was on leave, out of the country. How can you not know if your most valuable player (one of at his peak) was in town or not?
I feel for him in a way and then i dont. I guess having two young boys of my own who no longer are with me, whom i have no control of what they do in their lives i guess brings the softer side out of me.
Its a pity that he has been lost to the game. And at a young age he faces an unhill battle, just to survive let alone his addiction. Yes he had his chances, so many, but more should have been done sooner before the drug episode and sending him to the u.s.a.
I consider him a more brilliant footballer than judd. 4 b& f , brownlow to judd's one .At his peak he was a joy to watch.
The sharks they prey on him, the media, the drug dealers dont care about you or me or cousins.
It shows how quickly you can fall from grace, the player that had it all, looks, body, could play too, everything at his feet, how easy it is to fall prey to outside influences and that even they are himan and can fall like the rest of us.
Now with this happening i guess inside he may have wanted(to be sacked). Maybe a cry for help, but now the journey begins for him to firstly get well , both physically and mentally and with good people by his side. It would do him good if his family took away from perth for his biggest battle for his life starts now and football pales in significance.
All the best cousins.
We all truly wish you a speedy recovery.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
I'd say he's had more than one chance. And to me, there's a definite element of Cousins saying 'go *smile* yourself' to those trying to help him.
The reason he is 'ridiculed, chided and dismissed' by some is that he is throwing the opportunities being presented to him back in the faces of those providing them. I don't think anyone's suggesting the process was ever going to be easy for him.
Unless you know the background of posters on this site, you need to be careful how you label them. A lot of people will have first hand experience of what Cousins is going through. They are only presenting their opinions, as are you.
Elmer said:
I'd say he's had more than one chance. And to me, there's a definite element of Cousins saying 'go *smile* yourself' to those trying to help him.
Elmer said:
The reason he is 'ridiculed, chided and dismissed' by some is that he is throwing the opportunities being presented to him back in the faces of those providing them. I don't think anyone's suggesting the process was ever going to be easy for him.
Elmer said:
Unless you know the background of posters on this site, you need to be careful how you label them. A lot of people will have first hand experience of what Cousins is going through. They are only presenting their opinions, as are you.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
I think his immediate peers at WC have their own disrepute going.
IMO the Eagles have failed to do much about any of their smoking guns. Peter Cotchin and Kathleen Kennedy have stated their fears for their son and grandson going to WC and their drug culture. I would have grave fears for the influence that my son would be under if drafted by WC. I would take every available avenue to ensure that he didn't go to WC, even legal if possible. These young kids are impressionable and already have their own dificulties in dealing with negative peer pressure in society without being exposed to AFL "heroes" ( :
) that think using drugs is a form of team bonding.
It is sad for Ben and anyone caught up in drug and alcohol addiction and I wish him the best. I have experienced and am experiencing it both within my own family and the families of close friends. However, it ultimately comes down to choice.
You choose the very first time, the consequences then follow. Say NO to drugs. No good ever comes from it.
the claw said:
I think his immediate peers at WC have their own disrepute going.
IMO the Eagles have failed to do much about any of their smoking guns. Peter Cotchin and Kathleen Kennedy have stated their fears for their son and grandson going to WC and their drug culture. I would have grave fears for the influence that my son would be under if drafted by WC. I would take every available avenue to ensure that he didn't go to WC, even legal if possible. These young kids are impressionable and already have their own dificulties in dealing with negative peer pressure in society without being exposed to AFL "heroes" ( :
) that think using drugs is a form of team bonding. It is sad for Ben and anyone caught up in drug and alcohol addiction and I wish him the best. I have experienced and am experiencing it both within my own family and the families of close friends. However, it ultimately comes down to choice.
You choose the very first time, the consequences then follow. Say NO to drugs. No good ever comes from it.
Re: Ben Cousins threads and Poll [Merged]
The following statement is for those of you who stand in judgement. (For those of you who can identify with addiction - and have kicked it - you will understand the statement)
Any Alcohol and/or Drug addiction wraps up everything you love, everything you know that is right and everything you ever strived to be, in a removalist's packing box and then takes it all away.
From a scene in the Movie "Anonymous Hero" Bill the alcoholic is standing at the window inside a Mental Institution with bright sunshine blazing in and a light breeze wafting the delicate curtains and he says -
"I know what booze has done to me - it has taken my wife, my kids, my house, my job, my car and my dog away from me. I know the pain it is causing me - but right now all I want is another drink!"
To kick addiction the addict must reach his/her rock bottom - from their they have but 2 choices -
To rebuild their life - brick by brick
or
Die
I hope Ben Cousins has reached his rock bottom and can rebuild his life away from the public eye - get a solid foundation that will enable him to be an anonymous part of the greater Australian community. As for footy I doubt if we will ever see his brillance again grace the turf of Subiaco or the MCG.
The following statement is for those of you who stand in judgement. (For those of you who can identify with addiction - and have kicked it - you will understand the statement)
Any Alcohol and/or Drug addiction wraps up everything you love, everything you know that is right and everything you ever strived to be, in a removalist's packing box and then takes it all away.
From a scene in the Movie "Anonymous Hero" Bill the alcoholic is standing at the window inside a Mental Institution with bright sunshine blazing in and a light breeze wafting the delicate curtains and he says -
"I know what booze has done to me - it has taken my wife, my kids, my house, my job, my car and my dog away from me. I know the pain it is causing me - but right now all I want is another drink!"
To kick addiction the addict must reach his/her rock bottom - from their they have but 2 choices -
To rebuild their life - brick by brick
or
Die
I hope Ben Cousins has reached his rock bottom and can rebuild his life away from the public eye - get a solid foundation that will enable him to be an anonymous part of the greater Australian community. As for footy I doubt if we will ever see his brillance again grace the turf of Subiaco or the MCG.
