Ben Cousins may abandon the comeback
November 19, 2008 by Jesse Penfold
More Ben Cousins drama today, as there are talks that he may abandon his comeback plans due to the strict conditions imposed by the AFL:
BEN COUSINS may abandon a planned comeback to AFL football because the new drug-testing regime is too tough, his manager says.
Cousins’ manager Ricky Nixon is expected to tell the AFL Players’ Association the rules announced on Tuesday make it almost impossible for the former West Coast captain to resume his career, the Herald Sun newspaper reports.
It’s expected Nixon will use a meeting with the players’ association on Wednesday to call for drastic charges to the League’s drug-testing rules.
Cousins will decide his playing future over the next few days, Nixon said.
It is hard to tell whether this is just legal posturing, Cousins just playing the martyr again or if he is concerned he will fail the conditions. Sure Ben is probably being singled out, but that is the price you pay when you have a storied history like he does.
And if you are one of the teams considering drafting him what kind of risks does this raise in your mind?
If he is clean, it would not be a problem…
Ben Cousins behaviour can’t be called the worst in the AFL. particularly in Melbourne, players misbehaviour (some of it illegal?) seems to get swept under the carpet.
How does Cousins get kicked out for a year for bringing the game into disrepute and Fevola is still playing?
And what part did the AFL football culture at the Weagles play in getting Ben introduced to drugs? What do they say? - when you point the finger, you got three more pointing back at you.
Well Ben’s back in now and playing for Richmond. Congratulations to the Tigers for picking him up and good luck for the 2009 season
Thank goodness he didn’t abandon the comeback.
Go Ben! Go tigers!