Cousins to escape AFL punishment

The AFL has announced it will not be punishing troubled West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins on his return from drug rehabilitation in the United States.

Cousins is expected to return within the next fortnight, but the timing of his return to the football field has not been confirmed by club management.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has told Southern Cross radio the AFL's medical officers must clear Cousins before he can play again, but no sanctions will be imposed.


http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1907871.htm

Weak as water...

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In this afternoon's other round nine AFL fixture, Hawthorn tore away from defending premiers West Coast to win 15.9 (99) to 8.16 (64) at Aurora Stadium.

there goes my chance of 8/8 in the footy tipping comp.

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200705/s1934135.htm

Oh well the Eagles cant win them all. I tipped them to and got 5/8 this week. I cant wait for Cousins to return to West Coast, although I bet all those who bag out the eagles (and I know there are alot of them, especially Freo supporters) hope he doesnt return this season, or at all for that matter. Im also getting sick of biased commentators too.   Anyways go da Weagles  

Whoo Juddy got off, sure fav to win the brownlow again

Good win yesterday!  Kept my head above water in the footy pools.

That was my worst tipping round yet, 2/8. I still tipped West Coast though

NOOOOOOO, cant believe WC lost last night against Essendon and by only 1 point, I feel like a dagger went through my heart. The Bombers WERE my second fav team, they arent any more.

aarrggg  

what a nail biter, I was literally ripping out my hair and biting my nails off. Cant believe the Eagles went down. I will not get to bed easy tonight. The upside is that has to be the BEST game of the season if not EVER. Now I am backing Geelong all the way. Time for The Eagles to regroup for their year of 2008. Go the Cats to win the flag, and (expletive deleted - Paula) Collingwood

Judd to leave Eagles

West Coast Eagles captain Chris Judd has decided to turn his back on the 2006 AFL premiers and return to his home state of Victoria.

The Eagles were keen to extend Judd's contract with the club but the 2004 Brownlow medalist wants to play with a Melbourne-based AFL club.

Judd met with West Coast coach John Worsfold this morning to inform him of his decision, just two days after the Eagles were eliminated from the finals series by Collingwood.

A formal announcement is due to be made at a press conference in Perth on Monday morning.

Judd's manager Paul Connors said his client was leaving the Eagles for a number of reasons.

"In short it's really for family and friends and he's had six wonderful years at the Eagles but really it's time for him to head home," he said.

Judd will consult a Melbourne surgeon on Thursday about his groin injury, which restricted him during the second half of the season.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/16/2034144.htm

I am pretty sure it is quite unheard of for the captain of a premiership team to abandon them, I mean I know he misses his family but thats what holidays are for.

I hope he gets traded to Carlton, and ive heard a first round draft pick along with Fevola could be a possibility. West Coast need goal kickers and I think Fev would be an excellent addition.

I dont want to comment on things I dont know the full deatils of, but Ben Cousin's latest charges are a huge dissapointment. Unfortunately I feel this is the end for Cousins at West Coast.

Cousins to face court over drug charge

West Coast Eagles midfielder Ben Cousins has been charged with a drug offence and failing to participate in drug testing, including providing a blood sample, after he was arrested in Perth.

Police say Cousins came to their attention because of his driving and he was pulled over in the inner-city suburb of Northbridge this afternoon.

Officers searched his vehicle for more than an hour and it is alleged they found a quantity of drugs.

He was taken into custody and questioned for several hours before being charged with possessing a prohibited drug.

Police further allege Cousins refused to participate in drug testing including providing a blood sample for analysis.

The 29-year-old has been released on bail and is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Teammate Daniel Chick has also been questioned by police.

A statement from the West Coast Eagles say the club is not in a position to comment.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/16/2061440.htm

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Unfortunately I feel this is the end for Cousins at West Coast.

I'd say good riddance; he's abused people's trust and deserves to be fired.

What a waste of money:
*On his rehabilitation (hahahahah)
*On his contract and his payments for playing aussie rules.

What an idiot. When I heard about his mate Chris Mainwaring dying from an apparent illegal drug overdose I was very suspicious that Cousin's had something to do with the drugs.

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Cousins, who is battling drug addiction, checked on Mainwaring just hours before the former club champion died - apparently after taking ecstasy.

from the Obituaries thread, post number 213.
Obviously Cousin's was not really battling anything, he was and is merrily addicted!! To me, Cousin's is no better than any other addict. He enjoyed an expensive holiday in California and was mollycoddled by his Team. Great lot of good that did!

West Coast sacks Cousins

It has been confirmed that the West Coast Eagles have sacked Brownlow medallist and former captain Ben Cousins after his arrest in Perth yesterday.

Cousins was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and refusing a driver assessment after police stopped and searched his car in Perth yesterday.

It is the latest in a string of off-field incidents.

Cousins was suspended by the club earlier this year and has undergone rehabilitation for a substance abuse problem.

The club's board and lawyers have spent the day in meetings to determine the 29-year-old's future.

West Coast Chairman-elect Mark Barnaba says the club had no choice but to terminate Cousins' contract.

"He has seriously breached the conditions and spirit of his revised contract under which he returned to the club several months ago," he said.

"While those conditions were private and confidential, Ben was aware of them and the incident yesterday left us with no alternative but to act in this manner."

Mr Barnaba said he had been unable to contact Cousins directly but had informed Cousins' father Bryan of the club's decision.

The AFL says it supports the club's decision to delist Cousins.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou says Cousins will no longer be part of the AFL competition and needs to concentrate on regaining his health and getting his life in order.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/17/2062437.htm