On Monday, in Canning Vale, Perth, Ben Cousins was arrested – raising the question… ‘will he ever overcome his drug addiction?’
Cousins faces charges for methamphetamine possession along with additional accusations of violating a restraining order.
Today, he appeared in the Armadale Magistrates Court, where he was granted bail but instructed to maintain distance from his ex-girlfriend. Reports indicate he was bewildered when informed to keep away from his ex, the mother of his two children aged 5 and 3.
The last time Ben Cousins made headlines, he was seen directing traffic on a highway in Perth. Under the influence, he reportedly attempted to jump onto a motorbike and was subsequently taken to the hospital.
Ben Cousins achieved recognition as the AFL Rising Star in 1996, captained the Eagles, earned All Australian honors six times, won the Brownlow Medal in 2005, and celebrated a Premiership victory with the West Coast Eagles in 2006 – what led to his downfall?
Following the West Coast Eagles’ Grand Final victory a decade ago, he faced suspension from the club due to substance abuse and was admitted to a rehab facility in America. Subsequently, he was arrested for drug possession and banned from playing in the AFL for a year – things seem to have remained unchanged over these ten years.
After serving his one-year suspension, a lifeline was extended when Richmond offered him a contract. He played his final match in 2010.
Cousins was an extraordinary player, bringing immense creativity to the game.
Despite receiving support from the West Coast Eagles and Richmond, he appears to be his own greatest obstacle.
Consider George Best, a remarkable talent in sports… such a tragic waste… of both his talent and his life.
For Ben Cousins, the outlook is unfortunately bleak. It is sad but possibly a reality.
I would love to see him channel his energy into something positive… though I doubt that will happen in the near future. I genuinely hope he finds a way to straighten out, but he seems to exhibit a pattern of self-destruction.
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 22.
by
Terence Johns
