One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => Richmond Rant => Topic started by: one-eyed on August 01, 2010, 12:53:55 AM
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Channel Seven to air Ben Cousins documentary
* Tony Sheahan
* From: Sunday Herald Sun
* August 01, 2010
BEN Cousins' explosive tell-all documentary is set for a primetime screening.
Sources say all networks were in talks to show the graphic program, which details Tigers star Cousins' drug spiral and healing.
But Seven, offering to broadcast the doco mid-week, over two nights, in primetime, is set to seal the deal this week.
The news will add fuel to speculation that Cousins won't play on next season as Richmond has insisted in the past the documentary could not screen while the star was a Tiger.
The documentary is said to be a raw and chilling account of Cousins' substance abuse and road to recovery.
It also features his off-field passions like skydiving.
Television executives who have seen the doco say it is profound and destined to win awards.
Richmond Football Club has said it does not want the documentary screened during the 2010 season.
Late on Saturday, music boss Michael Gudinski, executive producer of the doco, said no deal has been signed.
Mr Gudinski said Cousins is still working on the as-yet unfinished doco.
Seven would not comment.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/channel-seven-to-air-ben-cousins-documentary/story-e6frf9jf-1225899478017
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Today, Tonight?
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Channel Seven to air Ben Cousins documentary
* Tony Sheahan
* From: Sunday Herald Sun
* August 01, 2010
BEN Cousins' explosive tell-all documentary is set for a primetime screening.
Sources say all networks were in talks to show the graphic program, which details Tigers star Cousins' drug spiral and healing.
But Seven, offering to broadcast the doco mid-week, over two nights, in primetime, is set to seal the deal this week.
The news will add fuel to speculation that Cousins won't play on next season as Richmond has insisted in the past the documentary could not screen while the star was a Tiger.
The documentary is said to be a raw and chilling account of Cousins' substance abuse and road to recovery.
It also features his off-field passions like skydiving.
Television executives who have seen the doco say it is profound and destined to win awards.
Richmond Football Club has said it does not want the documentary screened during the 2010 season.
Late on Saturday, music boss Michael Gudinski, executive producer of the doco, said no deal has been signed.
Mr Gudinski said Cousins is still working on the as-yet unfinished doco.
Seven would not comment.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/channel-seven-to-air-ben-cousins-documentary/story-e6frf9jf-1225899478017
Good story Tony ;)
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Cousins hopes for blessing on doco
August 3, 2010 - 4:17PM
Richmond veteran Ben Cousins hopes a revealing documentary on his battle with drug addiction will be televised soon, and with the blessing of his AFL club.
Cousins, 32, said on Tuesday a documentary detailing the drug battle which led to his demise at West Coast was a "week or two" away from completion.
The documentary, which also covers Cousins' path to recovery, has attracted significant interest from Australia's television networks, but Seven is understood to be close to finalising a deal for the rights.
Richmond have been wary of the documentary since they recruited the Brownlow medallist in late 2008 and at the time said the program would never be screened without the Tigers' permission.
Tigers football manager Craig Cameron told radio station SEN on Sunday he expected the Tigers to be given a look at the documentary before it aired.
But Cameron said it was not a case of Cousins choosing the screening of the documentary over another one-year contract.
Cousins was hopeful the documentary could air while he was still an active player in the AFL.
"I think so," he told radio station Nova.
"... It will be there to certainly not upset people."
Cousins hoped the documentary could have "a bit of an impact" when it was televised.
But he doubted the documentary would be screened at the pinnacle of the AFL season, as has been suggested.
"I think grand final week would be out of bounds because it's a pretty special week for the football industry," he said.
Cousins played in West Coast's 2006 premiership win but was sacked by the Eagles after the 2007 season when his drug problem and behaviour spiralled out of control.
He was suspended by the AFL soon after for bringing the game into disrepute, before Richmond recruited him for the 2009 season.
Comment was being sought from Seven and Cameron.
http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/cousins-hopes-for-blessing-on-doco-20100803-114oz.html
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Seven to televise Ben's doco
CAROLINE WILSON
August 4, 2010
CHANNEL Seven has reached a six-figure agreement with Ben Cousins to televise the long-awaited documentary regarding the football star's battle with drug addiction and journey back to the AFL.
Although no one at the network would confirm that an agreement had been signed, the AFL broadcaster could televise the two-hour special as soon as next month, although the prevailing view at Seven last night was that the screening would be more appropriate once Cousins had retired from the AFL - which could happen by September.
Channel Seven has briefed Richmond regarding its plans for the documentary, which had its genesis when Cousins first attended drug rehabilitation in California in March 2007. The player is understood to have invested close to $200,000 in the program, which senior industry executives estimated could be worth more than double that in sale value.
The same sources believed Cousins would have sold the production for a minimum $400,000.
With the 32-year-old's playing future yet to be announced by Richmond, the Tigers have indicated they would want to approve the program's release, as has the AFL. Those approvals would be irrelevant should Cousins retire at the end of this season.
Cousins hoped the documentary could have ''a bit of an impact'' when it was televised. The view from those who have seen it have described the documentary as confronting and instructive.
Tiger chief executive Brendon Gale is understood to have seen an unfinished version of the production and Richmond and the AFL have indicated some discomfort at a prime-time release while Cousins was still playing.
Apart from showing gritty footage of Cousins's battle with addiction and rehabilitation, the documentary includes interviews with his family, former teammates, including Chris Judd and coach John Worsfold.
The family of the late Heath Ledger also co-operated with the production.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/seven-to-televise-bens-doco-20100803-115f8.html
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The player is understood to have invested close to $200,000 in the program, which senior industry executives estimated could be worth more than double that in sale value.
The same sources believed Cousins would have sold the production for a minimum $400,000.
It's Caro's article so I'm dubious but I personally have a problem with Cousins benefitting financially from his personal screw ups.
Put any financial gain back into charity rather than your pocket and I'm fine.
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The player is understood to have invested close to $200,000 in the program, which senior industry executives estimated could be worth more than double that in sale value.
The same sources believed Cousins would have sold the production for a minimum $400,000.
It's Caro's article so I'm dubious but I personally have a problem with Cousins benefitting financially from his personal screw ups.
Put any financial gain back into charity rather than your pocket and I'm fine.
Ben auctioned his Eagles premiership jumper and part proceeds of a luncheon held in Perth on the 30th of August 09, with Kevin Sheedy, to Cryrenian House( a not-for-profit, non-government ) drug rehab centre in Perth.
I doubt there is much profit in the doco once everyone involved takes their cut. Anyway , it’s ok for someone else to write a book or do a doco on the life of Ben and profit, but not for Ben?
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The player is understood to have invested close to $200,000 in the program, which senior industry executives estimated could be worth more than double that in sale value.
The same sources believed Cousins would have sold the production for a minimum $400,000.
It's Caro's article so I'm dubious but I personally have a problem with Cousins benefitting financially from his personal screw ups.
Put any financial gain back into charity rather than your pocket and I'm fine.
Ben's "personal screw" up is pretty much the same "screw up" that many, many people who become addicted to alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling or whatever, make. The major difference is how public it was. I doubt that too many people would be able to go through what he went thorough in such a public manner, yet alone handle the public scrutiny the way he did.
It cost him his job as captain of an AFL club, his job as a West Coast footballer and brought a suspension from his career for 12 months. Financially he has probably lost more money than he will recoup from this, much more.
It's not like someone engaging in criminal activity and then profiting from the story, nor should telling your story only be the domain of squeaky clean successful people.
If after all he has been through, he is prepared to have all his dirty laundry aired in public yet again, then he is entitled to whatever he can get. You never know, it may even help some people get over their ignorance on the subject of addiction.
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Good post Al, spot on. :thumbsup
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It's not like someone engaging in criminal activity and then profiting from the story
I thought hard drug use was still illegal in this country al? Perhaps I missed something? :-\
If Cousins is putting the profits back into rehab clinics etc. as he apparently done previously then I have no issue with it.
Otherwise it doesn't sit well with me.
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while drug use is illegal, it's hardly criminal activity. There are many things that are illegal ie most traffic offences but those guilty of them are hardly criminal.
i'm pretty sure that suicide is still illegal in some if not all states and anal sex (male or female) is still illegal in Tassie, but you'd hardly label people "guilty" of such things as criminal.
The point is that most addictions have a similar root cause, it's just that cousin's manifested itself in the abuse of a substance that is deemed to be illegal in the misguided notion that will prevent it's use.
If cousins problem had been alcohol or solely prescription drugs would you still have the same view?
Hardwicks comments on the doco are worth noting;
"But the thing about the documentary is if one person learns one thing from it, I reckon it will be a documentary well worth doing," Hardwick said.
"It's something that at some stage we'd like to show our playing group.
"You've got to heed its message - drugs within our society, it's a very confronting thing, I have young kids myself."
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while drug use is illegal, it's hardly criminal activity.
Sorry you lost me here.
If Cousins is putting the profits of his drug doco towards trying to help others then great otherwise he's just profiteering from his illegal activities.
We agree to disagree on this one.
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while drug use is illegal, it's hardly criminal activity.
Sorry you lost me here.
If Cousins is putting the profits of his drug doco towards trying to help others then great otherwise he's just profiteering from his illegal activities.
We agree to disagree on this one.
It's not like he was profiting from dealing drugs, he is telling his story of addiction, not exactly proceeds of crime
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while drug use is illegal, it's hardly criminal activity.
Sorry you lost me here.
If Cousins is putting the profits of his drug doco towards trying to help others then great otherwise he's just profiteering from his illegal activities.
We agree to disagree on this one.
It's not like he was profiting from dealing drugs, he is telling his story of addiction, not exactly proceeds of crime
Until we all see the doco it's kind of hard to make any judgements. We don't even know where the starting point of doco is relative to his life. Does it start from the beginning of his footy career when he got drafted and the late 90s/early 2000s when he would've started to dabble or does the doco begin when the proverbial hit the fan when he got sacked by the Eagles and his road to redemption now at Richmond. All we know that is in it is the cameras where in the rooms for the NAB Cup game against the Pies last year.
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Saw the documentary advertised on TV tonight with Benny topless most of the time and with bottles of booze strewn everywhere. Looks like his family plays a bit part in the doco too.
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"SUCH IS LIFE - The troubled times of Ben Cousins" is the name of the Doco. Ch 7 are now advertising it tonight as coming soon.
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Saw the documentary advertised on TV tonight with Benny topless most of the time and with bottles of booze strewn everywhere. Looks like his family plays a bit part in the doco too.
The clip I saw had his sister(?) saying his dad Bryan went through hell. Going to places where no father should have to go. Ch 7 saying they had unlimited access to the family. Looks like it'll be full-on.
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First look at Ben Cousins drug video
* Michael Warner
* From: Herald Sun
* August 11, 2010
A SHIRTLESS Ben Cousins is seen using drugs in an explosive tell-all documentary set to screen before the end of the AFL season.
The Herald Sun last night obtained the first images from the documentary - filmed over the past two years as Cousins battled his darkest days of drug addiction.
Such is Life: The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins has been seen by AFL boss Andrew Demetriou and officials at Richmond, where the 2005 Brownlow medallist hopes to extend his career next year.
Raw and chilling footage shows Cousins:
DANCING in his underpants with a glass of red wine and a scantily-clad female in the background.
CRYING while under the influence of an unknown substance.
LEANING on a kitchen table covered in beer bottles after a heavy night.
STARING into a camera and declaring: "My name is Ben Cousins. I'm a drug addict".
The AFL last night confirmed Mr Demetriou had watched a version of the documentary last week.
He declined to comment but is understood to have been shocked by its content.
Channel 7's Melbourne boss Lewis Martin said it had not yet been decided when to screen the show.
"Like any program, it will be subject to censorship requirements," he said.
Mr Martin said it would be broadcast in prime time over one or two nights, possibly before the Grand Final.
Music boss Michael Gudinski, the film's executive producer, said the documentary was confronting and would send a powerful message to young people about drugs.
"When Ben came to me 18 months ago and we talked, I knew he had an important story to tell. The end result is deeply emotional and compelling," Mr Gudinski said.
"It's a cautionary tale - the inside story of a superstar footballer who made some bad choices along the way and ended up in a titanic struggle with drug addiction.
"It's about a father and a son, about a family coming together to see him through the darkest times.
"It's Ben's personal story - about his struggles and recovery. I'm sure it will send a powerful message to young people.
"If it helps save one person's life or helps broaden the community's understanding of addiction, then it all will have been worthwhile."
An AFL spokesman last night said the league hoped the documentary would help others.
"If talking about his own battle with drugs with the support of his family can result in another person in the same situation seeking help or getting the support they need to change, then there is a benefit," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/first-look-at-ben-cousins-drug-video/story-e6frf9jf-1225903649371
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Here's the promo of Cuz's doco...
http://player.video.news.com.au/heraldsun/?0sUY30asY0qoGcbBCuAijpiZrK9ic4cs (http://player.video.news.com.au/heraldsun/?0sUY30asY0qoGcbBCuAijpiZrK9ic4cs)
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stuff he's hot lmao :thumbsup
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CEO statement: Cousins doco
richmondfc.com.au
Wed 11 August, 2010
In response to the publicity surrounding the upcoming Ben Cousins’ documentary, Richmond CEO Brendon Gale today made the following comments.
“This is a confronting story and one we sincerely hope has a positive impact on those that watch it,” Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale said.
“If what Ben and his family have been through serves as an important lesson to others then it has been worth doing.”
“As we all know, Ben was in a very dark place. As a recovering drug addict, we believe his time at Richmond has helped him with his rehabilitation and we will continue to support him.”
Anyone wanting further information about the prevention of drug problems should visit the Australian Drug Foundation website at www.adf.org.au
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/100096/default.aspx
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Does anyone else disagree how its been handled in the last few days?
1) Channel 7 look to be advertising the doco like it's the 4th instalment of Underbelly.
2) The media have had every opinion under the sun of it.
3) Talk back radio is split 50-50 whether or not it should be aired or not
It's all a bit of a circus and hope it doesn't lose it's meaning.
People have opinions, opinions and poorly organised media combined can really damage things. Ben's reputation has improved dramatically since day 1 at Richmond since the focus turned 100% to his footy.
I think showing it on Fox Sports and releasing a DVD would have been a better approach, rather than letting a trash Mag type channel like Channel 7 air it. They will hype this up like the Olympics and drown the public in the hype.
Nothing in the Doco will offend me and hopefully wont change my opinion of Ben and what he's achieved, I don't like reading and hearing negative feedback on Cousins addiction. I lost a friend to drugs and it's hard to read and hear opinions regarding how bad, evil and villainous drug takers are.
If you're an American and you a recovered drug addict and deemed "clean" Its something that is seen as an enormous achievement and something to be proud of. Recovered or Addict, anyone that's associated with drugs taking is stereotypically branded as evil, and the pit of society.
Yet we're happy to cheer and watch shows like Underbelly and worship Roberta Williams and her unborn child to Carl Williams and pay her loads of cash for her tell or stories.
I think our society is confused as who the real villains are to be honest. The sooner society realise and except drug addicts are victims not criminals the better everyone will be.
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How about Aker's comments this morning ::)....
Outspoken sacked Bulldog Jason Akermanis used his forum on MTR radio this morning to question whether Cousins was honest about his recent stay in hospital, attributed to sleeping pill use.
"This is the consequences Ben, of what you need to realise. Like it was five weeks ago when you were in intensive care and we all keep getting asked about these questions about oh, caffeine and all this kind of stuff when we know you didn’t even take caffeine… it’s not the issue, caffeine or sleeping pills."
Though Cousins has never been accused of using performance enhancing substances, Akermanis used the midfielder's addiction battle to question the effectiveness of the AFL drugs policy.
"If he’s taken these illegal substances and we can see that on tape now, what else was he doing, what else was he getting hold of?
"Is he getting hold of the stuff… that helps you run better, perhaps, the stuff that helps blokes ride up mountains very well, blood boosting… What else is he taking?
"If they can’t catch him for these illegal substances, how on earth are they going to catch him for the other stuff that’s going to help him perform?"
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-back-cousins-ahead-of-drugs-doco-20100811-11yqf.html?autostart=1
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How about Aker's comments this morning ::)....
Outspoken sacked Bulldog Jason Akermanis used his forum on MTR radio this morning to question whether Cousins was honest about his recent stay in hospital, attributed to sleeping pill use.
"This is the consequences Ben, of what you need to realise. Like it was five weeks ago when you were in intensive care and we all keep getting asked about these questions about oh, caffeine and all this kind of stuff when we know you didn’t even take caffeine… it’s not the issue, caffeine or sleeping pills."
Though Cousins has never been accused of using performance enhancing substances, Akermanis used the midfielder's addiction battle to question the effectiveness of the AFL drugs policy.
"If he’s taken these illegal substances and we can see that on tape now, what else was he doing, what else was he getting hold of?
"Is he getting hold of the stuff… that helps you run better, perhaps, the stuff that helps blokes ride up mountains very well, blood boosting… What else is he taking?
"If they can’t catch him for these illegal substances, how on earth are they going to catch him for the other stuff that’s going to help him perform?"
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/tigers-back-cousins-ahead-of-drugs-doco-20100811-11yqf.html?autostart=1
Really classy Aker.
Say all you like at the end of the day a drug addict is still wanted at his football club and the Bulldogs would rather be without an A Grade knob.
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I think our society is confused as who the real villains are to be honest. The sooner society realise and except drug addicts are victims not criminals the better everyone will be.
The shocking thing was the news story about the Cousins doco was followed by the Lovett committal trial story.
Put in perspective who the real villians are "alleged" to be and also the "public interest" values of News Directors.
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It's all a bit of a circus
It certainly is.
I'd really like to know why Cousins has done it at all.
I certainly wouldn't but each to their own I guess.
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Got to love the media......
Today Tonight are reporting that Cousins is telling close friends that he will walk away at seasons end even if the club offers him a new contract.
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Got to love the media......
Today Tonight are reporting that Cousins is telling close friends that he will walk away at seasons end even if the club offers him a new contract.
Lol that's horrible journalism lol.
Thanks Channel 7 lol
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Now reported on Fox & Sky news.
Where there's smoke..
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So TT what happened to Cuz saying publicly all this time he would like to play on. LOL at TT :rollin. Nothing you wouldn't expect from tabloid tv ::)
As for Aker's comments ::). Clearly still bitter about getting the axe from the Doggies. If he want to talk about performance enhancing what about the Lions when he was there on drips at half-time which the AFL banned.
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Descent into drugs hell
Editorial
Herald Sun
August 12, 2010
"MY name is Ben Cousins ... I'm a drug addict."
With these words Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins publicly admits his descent into drugs.
The admission is part of the process of recovery. If you cannot admit your problem, how can you recover?
It was a confession he long avoided during an addiction that saw him banned from playing AFL football.
In spite of his problems, the former West Coast Eagles premiership player was given another chance to play at the elite level by the Richmond Football Club.
The television documentary of his troubled times to be shown by Channel 7 is named just that: Such is Life: the troubled times of Ben Cousins.
"Such is life" are words whose meaning is less obvious. They are said to be the last words uttered by Ned Kelly before the bushranger was hanged in the Old Melbourne Gaol. Ben Cousins has the words tattooed across his stomach.
But such is not life. "Drugs destroy lives" needs to be the message that young Australians remember.
For better or for worse, Ben Cousins was a role model turned tainted hero tested for drugs, often several times a week.
On balance, this documentary of a life at the top gone badly wrong does nothing to glorify drugs.
While confronting to younger viewers, it will send a powerful message. The unseen words that should be remembered at the end of this drugs doco are: Don't do drugs.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/editorials/descent-into-drugs-hell/story-e6frfhqo-1225904154701
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Ben Cousins divides nation again
Dr Stefan Gruenert
Herald Sun
August 12, 2010
THERE is no doubt Ben Cousins has brought the debate on drugs misuse into mainstream households across the nation.
And this is a good thing. All of us could think a bit more deeply about the role that alcohol or caffeine or other drugs like painkillers or sleeping pills play in our everyday life.
If I were talking to a group in relation to the Cousins television documentary, what would I say to them? I would say, without a doubt: "Watch this because this is where your dependence could take you. More to the point, this is where it could take any of us."
Cousins' public admission of his dependence on drugs is to be commended and more people in all walks of life should follow his example. Only then will the stigma be reduced for those who need treatment and are seeking support.
Making his story public, however, has not been without its risks. It has polarised our community. Some think Cousins, and others like him, make the choice to use drugs and deserve what they get. Any hint of a relapse, impulsive or antisocial behaviour, will simply confirm their view that addicts should not be trusted or believed.
As one of only a few celebrities going through recovery in the public eye, Cousins also has the burden of constant scrutiny, and no slip-up will be missed.
We get great pleasure seeing our sporting stars and heroes at their best. But some people get great pleasure at seeing them fall.
Others, who understand that relapse and unlearning old habits are part of recovery, are more likely to see addiction as a psychological and health issue, and will be more supportive of a treatment response.
They appreciate that bad choices are often followed by guilt and shame, which can make further drug use seem the best way to forget about everything, even just for a short time.
Such people also understand that our life experiences, any trauma we may have endured, or our biological make-up can also mean that making positive choices can be harder for some people than for others.
I appreciate that Cousins is likely to profit from his story, as told in Such is Life. If its screening highlights the impact that alcohol and other drugs can have on family, on health, and a person's potential - it is worth doing.
If it helps people understand that recovery is a struggle requiring significant time and courage, but that treatment works - it is worth doing.
If it prompts one person or family member to seek help - it is worth doing. The danger, however, is that a relapse is always possible, and the documentary may simply reinforce negative stereotypes or glamorise hazardous drug use.
The way his story is told is critical, and this is the responsibility of the media and producers. How old children should be before they view it remains the responsibility of classifiers and parents. But these stories, and more like them, need to be told.
Dr Stefan Gruenert is CEO of Odyssey House Victoria
THE Ben Cousins documentary is fraught with danger. Here is a drop-dead good-looking bloke playing at the top level of Australia's highest-profile sport, living a rock star lifestyle with plenty of appeal to young people.
Sadly, I have buried more than 80 young people whose lives were ruined by drugs. They were confronted by total misery, homelessness, malnutrition - and not one of them reached adulthood.
Maybe the doco will show that football administrators need to be more diligent. Maybe it will prove to young people that no one - not even a sporting superstar like Cousins - is bullet-proof, a tragedy that also embraced his former teammate, Chris Mainwaring.
Make no mistake about this: drug addicts come from both white-collar and blue-collar families. Drugs don't discriminate between rich and poor.
Whether you "chase the dragon" or resort to any of the other methods, you will pay a price for drug use. It will cost you dearly in terms of your life. It could cost you a job, a girlfriend, your family and eventually your life as well. You will pay. Of that there is no question.
I know of someone who gave in to cocaine and who now speaks at schools. He tells them how his habit cost him his career, his Falls Creek chalet, his family and his dignity.
While education is an important tool in stopping young people from drug use, they must never become blase about drugs. All the hype surrounding Ben Cousins's addiction could be sadly seductive. We do not want to see an increase in young people experimenting with drugs as a result of this documentary.
A community service announcement I once ran on TV used the slogan: "If you play you pay". That dire message should never be forgotten.
Les Twentyman is founder of 20th Man Fund
IN any assessment of the new Ben Cousins documentary, one is reminded of the responsible role models that footballers are supposed to be.
Think of the football clinics held with budding, very young and very vulnerable children who look up to their heroes and place them on a pedestal, as do the fans.
My advice would be not to watch the Cousins documentary because it glorifies the whole of issue of drug-taking. It glamorises the drug dependence of celebrities and might be misconstrued as representing a lifestyle to be aspired to.
We are becoming too accustomed - to the extent that we are becoming desensitised - to hearing allegations about AFL footballers in relation to drug-taking and sexual exploits.
We don't need to see first-hand, through the lens of a TV camera, the decline of Cousins in his drug haze.
This is a footballer who continually flouted convention, football club rules and indeed the rules of society as well. It took a long time to catch up with him, though, in part because of his high profile and his sought-after sports skills.
Full marks to him, though, for actually going to rehab and full marks to his family for supporting him through the crisis.
I feel that this documentary looks a bit surreal when compared with ordinary life. It will not reach the children in care on drugs or even the families with children on drugs, as they will think the story does not apply to them as they are not celebrities with the huge support structure that AFL stars get.
The documentary merely succeeds in putting Cousins in the spotlight again. He should just get on with his rehabilitation process and get serious about overcoming his addiction. He should put his name to use in more constructive ways, perhaps even helping Jim Stynes in his youth mentoring program.
Drug addiction is a very serious issue for many families, and causes many deaths. Therefore it should not be glorified for personal gain. Not ever.
Jillian Walley's daughter died of a drug overdose
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/ben-cousins-divides-nation-again/story-e6frfhqf-1225904137692
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Ben Cousins documentary painful to watch but a must-see
Mike Sheahan
Herald Sun
August 12, 2010
I WAS interviewed twice during the past 12 months for the Ben Cousins documentary.
One of an eclectic mix from a wide circle of family, friends, medical experts including his counsellor, club personnel including Richmond coach Damien Hardwick and his former West Coast coach John Worsfold, former teammates and senior football writers.
On the two occasions I was involved, the questions were relevant and often explicit. There was no attempt, subtle or otherwise, from the interviewer to massage any of the answers.
In the more recent interview - two weeks ago - I told the interviewer I didn't believe Cousins on the caffeine-sleeping pill story of a few weeks earlier, and explained why. The tape rolled on.
Channel 7's up-coming documentary Such is Life: the troubled times of Ben Cousins promises to deliver on its title.
Seven is expected to screen the program over two nights in the week leading up to Round 22, which seems increasingly likely to be Cousins' final appearance at AFL level.
The doco has been more than two years in the making, with hundreds of hours of interviews distilled to 90 minutes.
It will be compelling viewing: revealing, explosive in part and terribly sad, yet uplifting in its own way.
It will have broad appeal, too, for it's not a story about a footballer. It's a story about 21st-century society, this one featuring a footballer - a great footballer, a Brownlow Medal winner.
Ben Cousins is the young man with the film star face, extraordinary sporting talent and charisma by the truckload who has been a drug user since his teens and an addict for several years.
He might have died several times in that period, yet has lived to tell his tale, a tale he wants told.
Despite his sordid lifestyle, despite his known links to dodgy figures, we want to embrace him. Not just because he has been a great player, more because he is so publicly a troubled young man with a devoted family, with a determination to remain in football, to keep putting his head up to play the game he loves.
I admire Cousins for his refusal to lash out at his critics, even those who have attacked him consistently and often nastily.
The real Cousins is as elusive as Cousins the footballer was at the height of his powers at West Coast in the first half of the 2000s.
He will offer up a nod, a wink or the trademark half-smile, and little else.
There have been just two occasions in the 14 years I have known him where he has been forthcoming.
The first was at the 1996 AFL Grand Final official luncheon, when he came up to my table with Daniel Chick "just to say hello". Cousins was there as the Rising Star that year; Chick his "date".
I was in the middle of a fillet steak when the two young men, one of whom I didn't recognise, just appeared at my shoulder.
"Congratulations, Benny," I said, mouthful of beef temporarily parked in a cheek, shuffling uneasily until they said their goodbyes.
Most recently, Cousins was a guest on On the Couch for what was the most compelling interview in the program's nine-year-history.
He was open, animated, passionate and credible. Those who know him best thought him remarkably honest, too.
The popular description of the Cousins doco is "confronting". It has also been described as "ugly" and "painful", a program that's going to "shake a few people up". It should be all of those things for it is a warts-and-all story of a fallen hero, one who continues to try to regain his feet, no matter how many times he stumbles.
It shows Cousins in several humiliating positions, including his use of prohibited substances.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou seems remarkably at ease with what's to come. He has seen the program, subject to a final edit, as have Richmond officials.
It is certain to raise serious issues about the AFL's drug detection program, as it must, but Cousins' battle has dragged football into the real world on society's most insidious issue.
AFL heavyweights were warned of an endemic drug problem at West Coast for three or four years before they acted. Or were forced to act. They won't be as lead-footed next time, and there will be a next time.
Every parent should watch this program, for it is about the storybook middle-class couple, Bryan and Stephanie Cousins, steadfastly, then reluctantly, then painfully, coming to terms with the realisation their son is caught up in drugs. Hard drugs. Potentially fatal drugs.
Ben lied to them like he lied to everyone else other than those complicit in his addiction.
What does a parent do then? Do they ignore all the rumour and innuendo and put their trust in the word of their son, as they did?
How long, though, do they shut their eyes and ears to the obvious?
Mr and Mrs Cousins did what all we parents hope we would do in the circumstances. They kept the faith, they finally accepted the reality, they cried, they stood by their boy.
I was one of dozens of reporters who badgered Bryan for an interview during the past two years.
Actually, I hope I didn't badger, but I certainly spoke to him several times about sitting down and talking about "the situation".
Not once was he rude. Not even curt. He understood the interest, he said, and he was happy to chat but, in the end, he wanted to keep his counsel.
Deep down, the Cousins family must have known there was a problem.
But, deep down, what parent wants to believe one of their children has succumbed to the scourge of the modern world?
It will be excruciatingly painful for the family to watch their son ingesting a brain-damaging substance on national television in a couple of weeks.
Gut-wrenching, yet at least they know everything's out in the open now. Don't they say you can't solve a problem until you admit to the problem?
I suspect Richmond will cut Benny Cousins come the end of its season, which will be sad for him. But, it could have been much worse.
Who knows where he might have found himself without football during the past two years? We will have a better handle on that question after the doco.
Good luck to him.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/ben-cousins-documentary-painful-to-watch-but-a-must-see/story-e6frf7kx-1225904139167
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Ben like ping-pong ball, kingpin says
From: Herald Sun
August 12, 2010
UNDERWORLD kingpin John Kizon has told how he tried in vain to stop Ben Cousins using drugs.
The convicted heroin dealer, a long-time friend of Cousins, said he tried to step in because the disgraced Brownlow medallist was "bouncing around like a ping-pong ball".
"Well, a number of years ago when we heard that he was partying and he was bouncing around like a ping-pong ball, I tried to sit him down a few times," Kizon told TV current affairs show Today Tonight yesterday.
"People say, 'Why don't you go out and help him even more? Why doesn't John Kizon and his friends sit him down?'
"Listen, he's over 16, you know. He's responsible for his own actions.
"We sat him down, we did, and we said, 'Listen this is what we believe, this is what we've heard. Mate you've got to look after yourself.' He didn't listen to it and history shows what happened."
The Perth-based crime identity also criticised the West Coast Eagles over their handling of Cousins.
"Ben had some demons, but they should've supported him, not been this Moet Chandon football club."
The revelations come a month after Kizon jumped to his pal's defence when Cousins spent a night in intensive care in Epworth hospital after a sleeping tablet mishap.
"He's the best bloke in the world. You just want to kick him when he's down," he said at the time.
Kizon has been a supporter of Cousins during his fight back from drug addiction.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/ben-like-ping-pong-ball-kingpin-says/story-e6frf7kx-1225904140467
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Program set to see out Ben Cousns' career
Michael Warner
Herald Sun
August 12, 2010
BEN Cousins's tell-all documentary could be shown in the days leading up to his last AFL game.
Cousins, 32, could play his farewell match for Richmond against Port Adelaide on August 29, setting the scene for a Channel 7 ratings bonanza.
The first explosive images of the Such is Life documentary revealed by the Herald Sun yesterday have split the sporting world.
Coaches, sporting greats and drug experts had mixed views.
Olympic silver medallist Raelene Boyle said the film would send the wrong message to aspiring athletes.
"The downside to this entire saga with Cousins is that I would hate to see any young athlete look at Ben and think this is part of the glitz and glamour of being a sports star," Boyle said.
"They're illegal drugs and should never be looked at as going hand in hand with the high society of being a success in any sporting career.
"There are so many positive stories to tell for young people coming up in sport and I just can't see the point of showing someone who was hooked on illicit drugs, and I find it pretty negative to be honest."
Swans premiership coach Paul Roos was cautious.
"We all feel for Ben and his family and what they've been through, but the bottom line is they are illegal drugs and have no place in sport and society," Roos said.
"They should never be glorified and the thing that gets overlooked with moments like these is that drugs are against the law."
But West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold backed his former skipper.
"As much as it was good for Ben, I would hope it has some impact in raising awareness in the dangers of illicit drugs," Worsfold said.
Fellow coach Kevin Sheedy said he hoped the confronting Cousins tale would serve as a deterrent to teenagers.
"We have seen what drugs can do to people in all walks of life whether it be Chris Mainwaring, Heath Ledger, Elvis Presley, and the list goes on," Sheedy said.
"I will watch the documentary because I think it will have a powerful message to youngsters that drugs can ruin lives.
"The best thing about Ben is that he'll probably turn 40, have a few kids and have a life. To me, it's all about life and Ben is still alive, and that's all that matters."
Richmond chiefs said the show would have no bearing on Cousins's playing future.
"The airing of the documentary or its timing won't impact on the decision-making process," a club spokesman said.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou gave the film his personal tick of approval after watching it with music promoter Michael Gudinski, the film's executive producer, and Seven's Melbourne chief, Lewis Martin.
"I've kept in touch with the AFL through the whole thing and Andrew has seen it," Gudinski said.
"I can't speak for him but I think he's very understanding of the line, of the whole situation the program has been turned into.
"He's a family man and certainly it hasn't been a situation where the AFL have tried to censor the program."
Martin said the doco was very confronting.
"To me it's about a very courageous family - and about a father and his son. It's very raw," he said.
Dumped Bulldog Jason Akermanis said Cousins's addiction brought into question the effectiveness of the AFL's drug code.
"If he's taken these illegal substances and we can see that on tape now, what else was he doing, what else was he getting hold of?" Akermanis said.
Geoff Munro, from the Australian Drug Foundation, said he hoped the film would send a serious warning.
"We hope it doesn't glamorise drug use because there is a danger Ben has achieved celebrity status and some people might think he is cool for that reason," he said.
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre director Professor Dan Lubman, who helped in the making of the doco, said it could break down the stigma of drug problems and convince others to seek help.
"It hopefully will allow us to have a community debate about our attitude to alcohol and drugs rather than demonise people who have problems," he said.
Angela Ireland, of counselling service Family Drug Help, said the confronting portrayal of the Cousins family battle would benefit all.
"This is another form of reality TV, which is dealing with a topic that most people have a connection with, so from our experience it brings to the forefront issues that effect everyone's life," she said.
But Australian Family Association spokesman Tim Cannon said Channel 7 had taken on a huge responsibility.
Anyone who is concerned about their own, or a family member's drug use, can call Turning Point on 1800 888 236, or Family Drug Help on 1300 660 068
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/program-set-to-see-out-ben-cousns-career/story-e6frf7kx-122590414071
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Don't show drugs, Cousins urged
MARTIN BLAKE
August 12, 2010
THE Australian Drug Foundation has urged Richmond's Ben Cousins and Channel Seven not to portray actual drug use in the upcoming documentary about the footballer's life.
The ADF says its research suggests that portrayal of drug use in the media ''triggers'' some people to experiment with drugs. It is fearful that the documentary, Such Is Life, will have the effect of making Cousins's behaviour appear ''cool''.
Excerpts of the documentary appeared on the internet yesterday in the form of a Channel Seven promotional advertisement for the program. They showed Cousins dancing in his underwear, an emotional interview with his father Bryan, and Cousins looking into the camera and saying: ''I'm a drug addict.''
There have been claims the documentary will show Cousins using drugs, or under the influence of drugs. It is believed the documentary, two years in the making, is still being completed. While there is speculation that Channel Seven will air the program in grand final week, this is not clear.
ADF policy manager Geoff Munro criticised Seven for ''priming the audience'' with the release of excerpts. ''We hope it doesn't portray drug use, because the research evidence indicates that to portray drug use is to normalise drug use for some people, and that may glamorise that drug use, show people how to do it, and that can by itself encourage other people,'' Mr Munro said yesterday.
''Our other concern is that Ben has a celebrity status with some people, and a documentary like this might have some people seeing him as 'cool'. That may encourage some people to emulate his drug use.''
The ADF has not seen the documentary and was not asked for an opinion. However, another Melbourne-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation group, Turning Point, welcomed the Cousins documentary.
Professor Dan Lubman, director of Turning Point, was involved in the filming and said Cousins was ''incredibly brave'' to go public about his troubles. Professor Lubman said it was time for the community to talk about drug use, just as it had learnt to talk about depression.
''I don't think there's enough real discussion in the community about alcohol and drug use and the impact it has on families,'' he told The Age.
''Unfortunately we still have a very moralistic attitude, that people bring it on themselves and that they should be punished or not offered treatment,'' he said. ''It was brave of Ben to put his story out there.''
He denied that the documentary would encourage drug use. ''It's not about glorifying drugs. Hopefully what it will do is encourage people to seek help.''
Cousins, who is fighting for his football future over the next three weeks, also has his club's support in the documentary's production. Richmond has seen a version of the documentary and ticked it off.
Turning Point offers a 24-hour counselling service for people with drug problems, including families. Call 1800 888 236.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/dont-show-drugs-cousins-urged-20100811-11zp8.html
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The media have been gunning for Benny to retire for ages now. I'm surprised Hutchy isn't leading the charge today. Sounds like the media have put the doco timing with the announcement of the new interchange rules together and come out with he's gone. I would laugh if there's a positive reaction to the doco and all these stupid new rules changes are totally rejected and we say Cuz is going on one more year.
If the doco is only about the last two years then the RFC should come out of it smelling like roses.
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Footy, Tigers crucial for Cousins
richmondfc.com.au
By Luke Holmesby
Thu 12 August, 2010
RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says football has been Ben Cousins' saving grace in his bid to overcome drug addiction.
A documentary detailing Cousins' drug abuse and rehabilitation will be aired on Channel 7 in the next six weeks and although he hasn't seen it yet, Hardwick endorsed its telecast.
"From what I've heard, it in no way glorifies it (drug use). This is a guy who has come back from the brink," Hardwick said.
"Without AFL football and without the Richmond footy club, there is a fair chance that Ben wouldn’t have made it.
"So I think the program in no way glorifies drug use, I think it is an enormous educational tool for parents to sit down with their kids with the classification in mind and say, 'Listen, this is what happens.'
"Ben has been very lucky but there are a lot of people who aren't."
The Tigers have come out in strong support of the documentary which has been advertised as a warts-and-all account of Cousins’ battle.
“Drugs nearly killed this kid and it is a great opportunity for people to sit down, have a really good look at it and understand it,” Hardwick said.
“It is very confronting by all accounts and it is an enormous opportunity for people to have a look at it and say listen this is what happens when you take drugs. Ben’s come out of the other side, a lot of people don’t. It’s a great story and one that I think is worth everyone having a look at.”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/100182/default.aspx
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Hardwicks a great leader for our club. Another class PR job from a bloke who will become our next great Premiership Coach. Give him a 10 year contract now ;D
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Well if Aker says it will glorify drug use then it must be true! :chuck
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Barely a word anywhere that the club will look at offering Cousins a new contract.
Richmond will support Ben & the doco but they will still cut him.
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Hardwicks a great leader for our club. Another class PR job from a bloke who will become our next great Premiership Coach. Give him a 10 year contract now ;D
I liked his reaction to the rule changes, suggesting Paper Rock Scissors instead of a coin toss ... LMAO :rollin
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Ben's drugs battle touches Heath's dad
Herald Sun
August 13, 2010
HEATH Ledger's father has spoken of his admiration for troubled Richmond star and family friend Ben Cousins.
Kim Ledger said he admired the footballer's bravery in speaking openly about his problems.
"It's all a bit sad. But he is getting better," he said.
Cousins was rushed to hospital last month after accidentally overdosing on sleeping pills.
Heath Ledger died in 2008 from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.
Mr Ledger said he had been aware over the past two years that Cousins was making a tell-all documentary, which details his battle with drug addiction.
"We are pretty proud of him for having a go and letting the world know that he has been to some pretty dark places. But he is trying very hard," he said.
Mr Ledger is in Melbourne this week with his wife, Ines, to visit his stepdaughter Nadia.
They will watch Cousins play against Carlton on Saturday.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/bens-drugs-battle-touches-heaths-dad/story-e6frf96x-1225904642216
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Seven 'exploiting' Ben Cousins documentary: Andrew Demetriou
* Finn Bradshaw
* From: Herald Sun
* August 13, 2010 10:31AM
AFL chief executive Andrew Demtriou has criticised Channel Seven for its promotion of the controversial Ben Cousins documentary.
Channel Seven announced this week it would screen a documentary Cousins has been working on since leaving West Coast under a cloud of drug allegations in 2007. The station has been heavily promoting it on air this week.
Demetriou said the AFL had complained to the network about the timing of its promotions, but that Seven was more interested in ratings.
“I’m disappointed with the way it’s been promoted. I think the Seven network has been ordinary in the way they’ve put it up in their ads in Packed to the Raftes, which is a family program, certainly did that without our knowledge, they were supoposed to work with us in the way it was promoted, but I found that pretty distasteful,” he told radio station 3AW this morning.
“We have (complained to Seven), but they are all about ratings and exploitation."
Seven’s promos for the documentary – titled Such Is Life: The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins - include vision of the Richmond onballer admitting he a drug addict.
It is believed the documentary will be screened over two nights, possibly in the week before the Grand Final.
Demetriou said he supported the program, and recommended people watch it.
“I think it’s a very, very well made documentary … it’s certainly a documentary worth seeing, especially for families, I think the story of this documentary is of a young man who becomes an addict, who goes through terrible times then with the support of family, and a structure around football, he comes out of it the other end. It’s at times confronting, but at then some positives come out of it.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/seven-exploiting-ben-cousins-documentary-andrew-demetriou/story-e6frf9jf-1225904810159
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It's a bit rich of Dimwittyou to criticize Channel 7 for being all about "ratings and expoitation". Some of the things the AFL has done in pursuit of the almighty dollar have not exactly been above reproach.
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I agree 100% with Demtriou, Channel 7's promotion of it makes me sick.
I think the public will get a pretty good indication that the Documentary will be aired soon they don't need to ram it down the throats of families in prime time, at least keep some of the more "private" clips out of the ads. This just fuels the fire of 50 year old parents who put society and there kids in cotton wool.
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:rollin
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Ch 7 news said Cousins' doco will be screened over two nights Wednesday August 25 and Thursday August 26 prior to round 22.
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As speculation about Cousins' future reaches fever pitch, Channel 7 is pushing to extend its documentary deal with Cousins.
The confronting Cousins story Such Is Life will run in two one-hour parts next week, but Seven is also keen to lock Cousins in for a tell-all interview.
It is understood that no mention of an exclusive interview was made when Seven agreed to pay a significant six-figure sum for the documentary.
Now, Seven may be prepared to pay extra to get Cousins, his father Bryan and perhaps a drugs specialist to feature in a round-table interview.
If talks are successful, Seven would show an hour of Such Is Life from 8.30pm on Wednesday, August 25, but treat viewers to a two-hour blockbuster the next night.
The second part of the documentary would screen from 8.30pm, followed by another hour of Cousins reflecting on the documentary and his career.
Under that scenario, the second hour would run into first hour of The Footy Show on rival Channel Nine.
Sources have confirmed the Michael Gudinski-produced documentary is still being massaged, with the final two minutes likely to be filled by the events of this week.
The documentary is an in-your-face look at Cousins' battle with drugs.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/d-day-as-ben-cousins-meet-with-tigers/story-e6frf9jf-1225905600814
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i wonder if they recreate scenes like some
of those docu-dramas, perhaps the scene
where he has to swim in the Swan River
Run Ben Run...was living in perth at the time
its lucky the cops didnt catch him. :shh
i believe the doctor paid a visit. :lol
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Ch 7 is going to milk Cuz's doco for all its worth next week.
Bryan Cousins and Plough on Gameday (Sunday)
Bryan Cousins on Today Tonight (Monday)
Cuz doco pt 1 (Wednesday)
Cuz doco pt 2 with Bryan Cousins interviewed again following the doco (Thursday)
Richmond vs Port - Cuz's farewell game (Sunday)
Tonight at half-time Hamish McLachlan said in the doco Cuz admits he was using drugs since he was 17.
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Hard road for Ben Cousins
Mike Sheahan
Herald Sun
August 21, 2010
BEN Cousins signs off his coming documentary, Such is Life, with the message: "I've had to learn life's lessons the hard way."
The show, subtitled The Troubled times of Ben Cousins, is a harrowing story of how a young man with the world at his feet lost his way, almost destroying himself and his family in the process.
It will be shown on the Seven Network next Wednesday and Thursday nights.
The 2005 Brownlow Medal winner talks with remarkable candour about a long-running drug problem, describing his story as one of "drug addiction and chronic relapses".
During the introduction, he says: "I hope this documentary can send a powerful message to young people."
It will.
Members of his family and those close to him talk openly and emotionally about their frequent fears for his life.
One of his sisters, Melanie, said tearfully she didn't know at one point whether the family would lose Ben or their father, Bryan, a WAFL champion and former Geelong footballer, through stress.
The self-made documentary includes extensive footage and interviews dating back to early 2008.
Cousins openly admits to his addiction, describing it as a reflection of his obsessive personality and his search for inner peace.
"I'll always regret what I've put my family through," Cousins says.
"There's a lot of shame and regret. People wonder why I haven't broken down or shed a tear (in public). My tears are something that I hold close to me; they're for me and my family."
The documentary, seen by the Herald Sun, shows Cousins taking drugs several times. But the gun footballer says he never took performance-enhancing drugs.
Cousins, a fanatical trainer at the height of his brilliant career with West Coast, said he rewarded himself at the end of a hard week or month with a drug binge.
His attitude was summed up by a statement early in the first episode: "They expect you to live like a priest all week and fight like the devil all weekend.
"At the end of a block (of training) ... I was going to absolutely annihilate and launch into as much drugs as I could."
He admitted taking drugs as early as 17 or 18.
"It just opened a gateway for me and very quickly it became an obsession," he says. "Cocaine was my drug of choice."
His father said: "He thought he was bulletproof."
Cousins talks of benders lasting six days.
He recalls a time in Melbourne after West Coast's 2006 premiership win that ended with police intervention: "I don't think I'd had any sleep for six nights ... a lot of cocaine, a lot of ice."
When confronted by police, he gave his name to a policewoman. He was so tired and haggard, she didn't believe him.
He ripped his shirt open, bared his torso and said: "Well, I was (Ben Cousins) six days ago."
One of the many interesting elements of this compelling program was the impact of St Kilda's decision to abandon plans to draft him late in 2008 after his enforced year out of football.
"(Coach) Ross Lyon came to Perth and presented me with a St Kilda No. 9 guernsey (his number at West Coast).
"I'd really started to warm to the idea of becoming a Saint (joining his friend and former West Coast teammate Michael Gardiner)."
Long-time manager Ricky Nixon said Cousins could barely speak after being told St Kilda had decided against drafting him.
Cousins says in the documentary: "It was just life-sapping." He spent almost a week in bed, barely bothering to eat.
"I had grave fears for him," his father said.
Cousins, the last person to see former West Coast champion Chris Mainwaring before he died, described the death of his friend and mentor as "a tragic accident".
"I left him in a good state."
Such is Life is a must-see program in which Cousins, his family and those close to them speak with extraordinary openness and honesty.
It's a story of a young man's battle with drugs and the unconditional love of a family.
It is the story of a life-saving bond between a father and his son.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/hard-road-for-ben-cousins/story-e6frf9jf-1225907998440
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Ben Cousins film inspires panel discussion TV show
Michael Warner
Herald Sun
August 24, 2010
CHANNEL 7 is cashing in on this week's Ben Cousins drugs documentary with a live round-table discussion planned for Thursday night.
The one-hour program will air immediately after episode two of the tell-all Such is Life documentary in a head-to-head battle with Channel 9's The Footy Show.
Panellists include former Richmond coach Terry Wallace, AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson, Cousins' father Bryan, Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale, psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg and the Mike Sheahan. Cousins - facing a race against time to overcome a hamstring injury before his farewell AFL match on Sunday - will not take part.
Episode one of the Cousins documentary will be aired across the country at 8.30pm tomorrow. It's shaping as a ratings bonanza for Seven, which paid an undisclosed six-figure sum for the rights.
The Michael Gudinski-produced film details Cousins' long battle with drugs and his return to footy through rehabilitation.
"It has been incredibly brave of the family to open up and tell their courageous and emotional story," Seven Melbourne general manager Lewis Martin said. "This expert panel will help families start a conversation about the challenges of addiction (and give) critical advice from experts on how to handle related issues."
Nine is believed to be planning a Cousins expose on The Footy Show.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/special-reports/ben-cousins-film-inspires-panel-discussion-tv-show/story-fn5ko0pw-1225909130245
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Tonight at half-time Hamish McLachlan said in the doco Cuz admits he was using drugs since he was 17.
My old manager was a WA boy and said that Cousins got started on drugs as soon as he got to West Coast.
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CHANNEL 7 is cashing in on this week's Ben Cousins drugs documentary with a live round-table discussion planned for Thursday night.
The one-hour program will air immediately after episode two of the tell-all Such is Life documentary in a head-to-head battle with Channel 9's The Footy Show.
But as usual the interstate viewers (in the northern states) don't get anything as topical as this. We go from the "ratings bonanza" of Cousin's doco to 2 episodes of the market dominating "How I Met Your Mother". Guaranteed to keep all the viewers interested in the Cousin's story from flicking over to the Footy Show on Nine. ::)
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Cuz on Nova this morning....
Cousins added the documentary had been extremely important for him as he came to terms with his addiction.
"The actual process of making the documentary has been a very cathartic experience," he said.
"The whole demise through drug addiction is very self absorbed, it is the journey inwards.
"To make this documentary was almost like the journey back, to take a couple of steps back and see not just my own development but the people around me.
"For the first time I was able to sit down and see the collateral damage - not so much the football club or football industry but the people around me.
"That was hard to do."
http://www.smh.com.au/afl/richmond-tigers/cousins-racing-against-clock-20100824-13ntt.html
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A champion of a far more important cause
Drew Petrie
August 25, 2010
AS BEN Cousins bows out of AFL football, it's time to stop and thank him. Not just for a career full of on-field highlights and awards, but also for changing the players' working environment for the better.
Cousins was never picked up by the AFL's official drug-testing procedures, but after his year-long ban the industry went through a dramatic transformation. Football afforded Cousins a second chance, it supported him as he recovered from his addiction in the same way it would have if he had tested positive.
The competition's Illicit Drugs Policy (IDP), introduced in 2007, is all about identifying those in trouble and giving them assistance to deal with it.
Cousins has provided an unavoidable warning to all players and fans about the dangers and pitfalls of getting into a particular lifestyle and, in my opinion, that's been a real positive.
While we're talking about the IDP, I can understand why some players and athletes occasionally ask: Why us? Why are footballers and athletes subjected to random drug testing when other people - especially those in positions of authority and responsibility such as judges, doctors and teachers - don't have to?
A few years back, powers were introduced in Victoria that enabled the testing of police officers, and that was a positive step.
I completely support drug testing for players, but it does sometimes make you wonder why it is only players and athletes who are tested and so heavily scrutinised.
The AFL is not the only industry that has to deal with drug use. It's not uncommon to see stars in the entertainment industry, for example, struggle to deal with these issues.
As we mark the final week of Cousins's amazing career, it's important to remember that the AFL has made a deliberate decision to go down a path that leads to early identification and treatment.
I haven't seen the documentary that will screen on television tonight, but I have heard people say it shows that footy was the thing that saved him.
I think if you asked players they would say that they are glad he was able to come back, that footy supported him in his recovery instead of tossing him out onto the street.
There will be a range of views, of course, but how could you say it was a bad thing that Cousins was given a chance to rehabilitate on the job, among people who respect him, while doing something that gave him purpose?
When Cousins announced his retirement last week, everyone was pretty impressed by how he decided to bow out. I think it proved once and for all that the AFL, and the broader football community, did the right thing.
In 2008, the AFLPA also played a pivotal role in arguing that Cousins should not be expelled from the game. When the debate was at its highest point, the players' association said Cousins was in danger of being fed to the wolves at a time when football, and the community, should be supporting him.
There are some who would still say that he should have been expelled forever, but you would have to have a pretty hard heart to have watched that press conference last week and still thought that letting him play on was the wrong decision.
The IDP and the Cousins case means the players are now so much more aware of the dangers of drug use and the industry is better equipped than almost any other to deal with it.
The latest drug-testing results, released earlier this year, show that only a tiny fraction of players are testing positive, and the rate is coming down every year.
In 2005, 4 per cent of all tests were positive. Last year, that figure had dropped to 0.89 per cent, despite the fact the AFL had increased the amount of testing.
It's still too high, but it's definitely heading in the right direction.
Cousins has been an AFL champion, but he has also championed a much more important cause, and I applaud him for helping to make the AFL a better and much safer place, while being able to improve his health and wellbeing.
The hardest part is yet to come for Cousins, but he can be safe in the knowledge that the game he loves will always be there to support and look after him.
Such is Life: The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins, tonight, 8.30pm, Channel Seven.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/a-champion-of-a-far-more-important-cause-20100824-13qei.html
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Cousins 'mourned' giving up drugs
Dan Silkstone
August 25, 2010
Ben Cousins at training for Richmond this week. The former West Coast captain says his early on-field success led him to believe he could balance drugs and football. Photo: Pat Scala
BEN Cousins has spoken frankly about his drug addiction ahead of the airing of the Richmond onballer's documentary tonight, describing his battle with illicit drugs as ''a journey inward''.
Cousins revealed he had first experimented with hard drugs at age 17, saying he had quickly been fooled by his early on-field success into believing he could balance drugs and football.
''It did start out enjoyable but pretty quickly, especially later on in my drug use, it became quite self-destructive,'' he said. ''I became disillusioned with it and where it crossed over. And once it did, part of it was me turning on myself. I was out to wreck myself at a certain period of my life.''
Controversial footage of a drug-affected Cousins dancing in his underwear - shown ad nauseum to promote the documentary - was described by the player himself as ''just a night that got away from us''.
Cousins never tested positive for any drug under the AFL's testing regime and said yesterday that had reinforced his lifestyle, leading to a period of ''mourning'' when he had to finally give up drug-use. "I had got away with it. It reinforced consciously and subconsciously that I had a method that was working,'' he said.
The comments came during the Brownlow medallist's regular slot on radio station Nova FM ahead of the documentary's airing tonight and tomorrow and a possible farewell match against Port Adelaide on Sunday. That appearance remains in doubt with the former West Coast champion rated only a 50-50 chance to play because of hamstring soreness.
Cousins revealed yesterday he had not ''broken stride'' all week and did not know if he would be fit. ''I will have to prove my fitness at some stage whether that's Thursday, Friday or Saturday before Sunday's game,'' he said. ''I will do everything I can to get up. It is not like I have to worry about the next week, depending on if you re-tear something."
He later trained at Punt Road, away from the main group, and got through a series of light sprints and kicking drills.The club's marketing department is devising a series of measures to honour the 268-game veteran, whether he plays or not.
The Cousins documentary was the talk of Melbourne yesterday, with many inside football circles having already seen it. The Australian Drug Foundation - which had sharply criticised promotional clips of the film and cautioned the Seven Network against openly showing drug use - was treated to an early screening and briefing from Seven executives.
Chief executive John Rogerson said the film was compelling viewing. ''It's a very important documentary for parents to see, with some kids,'' he said. But Rogerson restated concerns that depiction of Cousins using drugs in the film could be damaging and meant the film should not be watched by unsupervised children nor by those younger than 15. ''This whole issue of celebrity status and Ben being an athlete really has the potential to glamourise the issue … I would have liked to have seen that minimised,'' he said.
Cousins rejected claims his film might glamourise drug use. "I have done a lot of things I am not proud of and I have tested my families' unwavering and unconditional support,'' he said. ''They tried everything … In no way is this documentary glamourising drug use. I sit here I am one of the lucky ones."
Coach Damien Hardwick said last week he hoped all Tiger players would watch the program but the playing group has not seen a preview and - with players having a day off today - will not watch it together.
Cousins says he had begun filming his life during his enforced year away from football as a form of catharsis. ''The bottom line is it has been done because I think it can have a real impact and help a lot of people,'' he said. The former Eagle said his approach to consuming methamphetamines during West Coast's glory years had been every bit as single-minded as his famous approach to football.
''I always had the same sort intensity even from the beginning,'' he said. ''I attacked my social life, recreational drug use, the same way I did my footy and everything. It was fraught with danger anyway. When you have to deal with certain things in part of everyday life that are difficult or whatever, it puts strains and pressures on you in ways you don't expect. It became an outlet a way for me, an escape for me, a way of dealing and coping with things."
Cousins said his predilection for drug abuse was so strong that without the sport to keep him motivated ''I would have ended up in rehab 10 or 15 years ago''.
He said he had gradually increased his drug use, eventually becoming shocked at the level he could push his consumption to while still excelling on the field. ''I was assessed by people about how I was going in life by how good a football I was playing … if I was getting a kick that was enough, that was great.''
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/cousins-mourned-giving-up-drugs-20100824-13qeh.html
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Tragic Hollywood star Heath Ledger helped Ben Cousins battle drug addiction
* Aaron Langmaid
* From: Herald Sun
* August 25, 2010
TRAGIC Hollywood star Heath Ledger spoke regularly with Ben Cousins at the height of the troubled footballer's drug addiction.
Bryan Cousins revealed last night the late actor often rang him to discuss his son's addiction and had offered vital support to his son when he most needed it.
In a revealing television interview, Mr Cousins said counselling from the Ledger family - before and after Heath's death from an overdose of prescription drugs - had been an important source of support.
Bryan Cousins revealed last night the late actor often rang him to discuss his son's addiction and had offered vital support to his son when he most needed it.
In a revealing television interview, Mr Cousins said counselling from the Ledger family - before and after Heath's death from an overdose of prescription drugs - had been an important source of support.
Chat live from 8.15pm as the doco goes to air
"Heath was ringing and speaking to (his father) Kim about it and then Heath rang me a couple of times and was discussing Ben's issue," Mr Cousins said.
"And Heath and Ben developed a real good friendship, albeit over the phone and ultimately Kim's involvement with Ben became very significant because he became if you like the ... father figure instead of me."
Mr Cousins said Heath's death had rocked them as a family but made Ben realise he "wasn't infallible".
His comments came on the eve of the intimate Channel 7 documentary tonight that is expected to shed light on Cousins' darkest moments as a drug user.
Parents have been urged not to let children watch the program and have been warned to prepare for tough questions from teenagers.
Youth campaigners and drug and alcohol experts said the confronting footage of Cousins at his lowest point would be too much for kids - but OK for teens.
They hailed the inside account as an important tool in lifting the stigma associated with drug users.
It follows comments from Cousins yesterday, who said addiction was still a taboo topic in Australia.
"I liken drug use and drug addiction today to where mental health was 15 years ago. It was secret and wasn't looked upon with the same compassion that it is today," he said.
But youth campaigner Les Twentyman said children were unlikely to learn anything from it because of Cousins' celebrity.
"If you ask me he (Ben) hasn't paid a price and kids will see that," Mr Twentyman said.
"Nobody under 13 should see it.
"Any child who does watch it will see Cousins, as an elite athlete, a good looking person, despite what he's been through."
Mr Twentyman said Australia still lagged when it came to dealing with drug dependency.
"It's not about law and order," he said. "It's about a health issue and few people realise that."
But Cousins said he hoped the series would shed light on an issue few people talked openly about.
"I think it can have a real impact and help people who aren't given the same second chances or extended the same help that I have been," he said. "It has the capacity to break down stigmas associated with drug use."
Australian Drug Foundation CEO John Rogerson, who has already viewed the two-part series, said it would change attitudes.
"It will help us see users as having a health problem and who need our care and support," Mr Rogerson said. "Drug misuse doesn't discriminate. This guy's misuse of drugs almost stopped him doing what he loved most. He thought he had it under control but he didn't.
"You can't control it - and we need to stop judging users because of it."
Bryan Cousins admitted the documentary was confronting.
"I felt uneasy and shocked by what we were going to show and what it was showing Ben as, but we wanted to be as honest as we could," Mr Cousins said.
"That's what happened, that's how it affected us. Drugs are evil, the people who deal in drugs are evil and I despise them. But I haven't met a drug addict yet that I wouldn't go and hug and encourage them in their fight to overcome their issue."s
He said his greatest hope was that Ben would make the right decisions beyond his football career.
" I think if he can get through the next 12 months of his life and be in the same shape he is now I will be very very happy."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ben-cousins-film-inspires-panel-discussion-tv-show/story-e6frf9jf-1225909130245
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"I would train and obsess and play good footy, and the thing that would get me through was I knew at the end of that I was going to absolutely annihilate and launch into as much drugs as I could."
Ben Cousins releases fresh footage from his documentary:
http://player.video.news.com.au/heraldsun/#dYl_l6vezu3isFdAJT5r24bVEbtDsMtr (http://player.video.news.com.au/heraldsun/#dYl_l6vezu3isFdAJT5r24bVEbtDsMtr)
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Must look at cousins as a running / midfield coach.
If he gets in the gear again find a new coach no big deal
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You've got to feel for his family. They copped the brunt of it watching Ben's life spiral ever so faster downwards in front of their eyes. The vision of Cuz standing in a room at the family Christmas party shaking and shivering was pretty intense. There'll be some people in the media tomorrow claiming it glamourised drug use in parts smoking bongs and talk or 5-day benders and wild parties but I think that's the whole point. It starts of as a bit of "fun" and junkies think they have it all under control before the proverbial hits the fan and it all catches up with them. Ben's been one of the lucky ones. It could have easily been him dead like his best mate. The Eagles just ignored the problem and tried to stage manage it with forced public apology after forced public apology looking from the outside. Ben was telling Eagle teammates not to train so hard because it made him look bad. Any club and coaches would normally go off their rocker hearing that from any player let alone ones of their star players.
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I personally was expecting something more raw. Would have liked to see an unedited version.
Just shows how soft society is, should have been thrown the full raw doco in my opinion. To many interviews and not enough vision of the highs and lows.
Would have liked to have seen how hard Ben found it to kick his addiction rather than just how hard it was to deal with a public life during an addiction.
Looking forward to part 2.
Amazingly ballsy from Cousins to have this vision publically shown. Hats off.
Hopefully society can get their heads out of the sand and realise the problem of the illicit drug industry.
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I'm not going to tee off on the Eagles, this doco certainly doesn't tell the whole story or timeline. Impressive first episode, the harder stuff is yet to come.
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You've got to feel for his family. They copped the brunt of it watching Ben's life spiral ever so faster downwards in front of their eyes. The vision of Cuz standing in a room at the family Christmas party shaking and shivering was pretty intense. There'll be some people in the media tomorrow claiming it glamourised drug use in parts smoking bongs and talk or 5-day benders and wild parties but I think that's the whole point. It starts of as a bit of "fun" and junkies think they have it all under control before the proverbial hits the fan and it all catches up with them. Ben's been one of the lucky ones. It could have easily been him dead like his best mate. The Eagles just ignored the problem and tried to stage manage it with forced public apology after forced public apology looking from the outside. Ben was telling Eagle teammates not to train so hard because it made him look bad. Any club and coaches would normally go off their rocker hearing that from any player let alone ones of their star players.
Yeah good call MT.
I dunno how many on here are between the age of 18-30 but as a Gen Y I can say first hand probably 60% of my mates at school had tried party or illicit drugs by the age of 19-20. The use of drugs at 17 was sad to hear, but believable.
I think the WCE managed this horribly. I don't know how they should have handled it but they just continually swept it under the carpet. They brought him up as there poster boy that was almost spoilt and could do no wrong. He had every right to feel bullet proof. It was a rockstar life. As he said, girls, money footy it was the ideal life. He was probably bullet proof for a while, but I blame West Coast and I reckon his old man does too.
You also remember how badly his image was tainted back a few years ago. He was the biggest villain in the world when he was interviewed on the Footy Show about returning to footy. Just staggers me, sure the guy has a serious problem but with Newton and Lovett issues lasting a few days at best in the papers Cousins was never ending. It was a circus.
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I'm not going to tee off on the Eagles, this doco certainly doesn't tell the whole story or timeline. Impressive first episode, the harder stuff is yet to come.
Tee off at the Eagles GG they are the pits.
I thought the doco was very soft, other than a couple of F Bombs and a few drug taking references I'm staggered some officials have warned parents about showing this to there kids.. I think its been heavily heavily edited. I noticed the point in where is touched on Ben missing a drug test at the Eagles and then moved on quickly to the next subject. *AFL edited*
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I dunno how many on here are between the age of 18-30 but as a Gen Y I can say first hand probably 60% of my mates at school had tried party or illicit drugs by the age of 19-20. The use of drugs at 17 was sad to hear, but believable.
More adults between 17 & 39 years of age admit to taking recreational drugs than are smokers, substantially more
Last figures I've seen were 31% for recreational drug use and 19% for tobacco
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It's not about blame Popelord. I'd also like to see the second half before getting too into the dissection.
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His life was bad.
Just goes to show the incredible effort and intestinal fortitude it took to turn it all around
There, but for the grace of God go I
Good luck, Ben. Looking forward to your last game, champ! :gotigers
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I dunno how many on here are between the age of 18-30 but as a Gen Y I can say first hand probably 60% of my mates at school had tried party or illicit drugs by the age of 19-20. The use of drugs at 17 was sad to hear, but believable.
I would say the number of late teens who have tried some form of illicit drug hasn't changed that much from Gen X. I remember going to house parties in my Melb Uni student days (early 1990s) where a bedroom would be set aside for group pot smoking or a student mate of mine buying some cannabis in Canberra where it's decriminalised at the ANU student bar for $50 and spending the whole night outside letting off fireworks (also legal) while stoned. Herion, cocaine, crack cocaine, speed were also still all around back then. What seems to have changed is the type of drugs used and the heavy mixing of different drugs and alcohol. It seems a lot of harder drugs now are hardcore chemical cocktails and are used just to get wasted as fast as possible. Scary stuff :help.
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It seems a lot of harder drugs now are hardcore chemical cocktails and are used just to get wasted as fast as possible. Scary stuff :help.
A lot of the harder drugs around now are cheap substitutes that people take as the regular party drugs of the past have become low quality due to crack downs by police.
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Cousins' leading concern
Jesse Hogan
August 26, 2010
BEN Cousins' family says the decision of former club West Coast to appoint him captain, against their advice, accelerated his descent into drug addiction.
Cousins, in part one of his Such Is Life documentary that aired last night on Channel Seven, revealed his ability to regularly take ''recreational'' drugs and remain one of the AFL's elite players ''reinforced to me I had a method that was working''.
Bryan Cousins said he unsuccessfully lobbied West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett to prevent his son's appointment, at 23, as club captain in 2002.
''I could just see his attitude to life changing … when he could see himself bulletproof,'' Bryan Cousins said.
Cousins, a regular drug-user since his late teens, said he considered the use of cocaine, ice and also certain prescription drugs as ''the ultimate reward'' for his relentless dedication to training and playing for the Eagles, and that he motivated himself with the realisation he was ''going to absolutely annihilate myself and launch into as many drugs as I could''.
''They expect you to behave like a priest all week and play like a devil on the weekend,'' he said.
The retiring 32-year-old was regularly depicted inhaling from a drug pipe, filmed during his suspension from the AFL in 2008. He was also shown twitching and staring blankly during an apparent drug binge, and in one scene looks unrecognisably pale and clammy in a meeting with then manager Ricky Nixon.
Cousins also confirmed that he had been drinking for 10-12 hours when he infamously fled from a booze bus in Perth in 2006.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/cousins-leading-concern-20100825-13sbd.html
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Ben Cousins' woes laid bare in documentary Such Is Life
Aaron Langmaid
Herald Sun
August 25, 2010 9:18PM
FOOTAGE of a partying Ben Cousins smoking amphetamines in a crack pipe and details about his spectacular fall from grace have finally been revealed in a confronting television documentary.
Such is Life - The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins hooked thousands of viewers across Australia last night with a candid and sometimes uncomfortable insight into the drug addiction that took control of one of the AFL's biggest stars.
Cousins said he hoped his story would ultimately help save lives.
How did you rate the first half of Ben Cousins' documentary? Have your say below
Alarming images of the footballer smoking drugs were shown just two minutes into the program as Cousins confessed to being a regular social drug user from age 17.
And cocaine was his drug of choice.
The intimate account also revealed Cousins:
SWAM halfway across a river the night he fled the scene of a booze bus in 2006;
DIDN'T think he was an addict when he was first sent to Los Angeles for rehabilitation;
WENT on a five-day bender after the overdose death of former West Coast player Chris Mainwaring;
TREATED drugs as a reward at the end of hard games; had
NEVER taken performing enhancing drugs to play better; and believes he was
SETUP by police after his shirtless arrest in Perth in 2007.
``There would be a time and a place for speed, there would be a time and a place for ecstasy, cocaine was my drug of choice, no question, but Valium played a huge part in that and Xanax played a huge part in that,'' Cousin said.
``I wouldn't have butter on my toast, let alone have a beer (but) I would take drugs.
``I would train and f---ing train and obsess and play good footy and the thing that would get me through those tough moments, those tough days, ... was I knew at the end ... I was going to absolutely annihilate and launch into as much drugs as I could.''
Cousins said he was an ``extremist'' and possessed the ability to focus on what he wanted.
``The unique thing about my situation was that I was applying that same obsession to football as I was with drugs.
``I loved to train, I loved everything about preparing to play footy.''
At the height of his success in Perth, his dad Bryan said he became concerned his son had been ``built up'' too much and pleaded with West Coast Eagles bosses not to make him captain of the team. But his request was ignored.
But it was the Eagle's defeat at the 2005 grand final that Cousins said marked the beginning of downhill spiral.
The night he fled the booze bus, Cousins said he ``wasn't messing around''.
``I couldn't tell you how many houses I jumped through. I was jumping over back fences, I was on top of roofs and I took off across the river.
And he said he had struggled to come to terms with Chris Mainwaring's death because he was the last person to see him alive.
`` I have my own opinion on what happened ... I left him in a good state,'' Cousins said. ``I had no immediate concern for his well being and I think (his death) was a tragic accident.''
Questions were also raised over the legitimacy of Cousins' shirtless arrest in Perth that led to him being sacked by the Eagles.
Former manager Ricky Nixon, questioned how a television network would have been able to capture the moment he was caught, without being tipped off by police.
But it wasn't until a second bender in the US, having fled the intense media scrutiny in Australia, Nixon said he feared for his clients life
The footballer disappeared after his arriving in Los Angeles and landed in hospital after a drug binge.
``You sit there at times thinking, `I'll get him out of this'... `this will be ok','' Nixon said.
``(But) I went home and thought `my God, he is going to die ... have I done enough? Has his family done enough? Have I let him down?''
The second episode airs on Channel Seven tonight at 8.30pm.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/ben-cousins-woes-laid-bare-in-documentary-such-is-life/story-e6frf96f-1225910107159
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'Broker' Kevin Sheedy an unlikely saviour for Ben Cousins
Andrew Webster
Herald Sun
August 26, 2010
KEVIN Sheedy says he helped broker the deal that delivered Ben Cousins a second coming because he feared for the fallen superstar's life.
Cousins opens up in the second episode of the controversial documentary about his drug addiction - to be aired on Channel 7 tonight - that Sheedy was crucial in his rebirth as a player.
"It's about saving the life of someone's child," Sheedy said last night.
"When you see Heath Ledger die, and (former AFL star) Chris Mainwaring die, how many more kids do we have to see die when you can find a way for them to get away from the addiction they're in?
"A lot of people see that as soft. I see it as something I grew up with as a person, being a Christian."
Cousins's then manager, Ricky Nixon, phoned Sheedy in desperation when a score of AFL clubs slammed the door on a possible return following the ex-West Coast Eagle's 12-month suspension.
Sheedy engineered negotiations between his former club, Richmond, and its coach, Terry Wallace. Cousins will play his final match before retirement - following two seasons with the Tigers - against Port Adelaide on Sunday.
"He had no chance unless I brokered an opportunity with Richmond and their coach, Terry Wallace," Sheedy said.
"Full marks really go to Richmond, because they reversed their opinion about the issue. When it got down to no choices, we had to seriously look at it as a person's life - not just a game of footy. Some people don't understand the difference."
There have been mixed reactions to the first part of the Cousins documentary.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/broker-kevin-sheedy-an-unlikely-saviour-for-ben-cousins/story-e6frf7l6-1225910130847
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Cousins 'drug addict' not 'drug cheat'
Courtney Walsh
The Australian
August 26, 2010
BEN Cousins last night denied he was a drug cheat yet conceded he rarely trained or played better than when he used illicit substances.
The revelation, during the first part of the documentary Such Is Life -- The Ben Cousins Story, is intriguing given lingering suspicions as to the integrity of West Coast's 2006 premiership.
It also reveals Cousins' father, Bryan, feared West Coast's decision to award his son the captaincy at 22 would lead to significant personal problems but said the Eagles did not listen to him.
The former West Coast captain was adamant last night he had never used a performance-enhancing substance, or that he had taken cocaine, crystal methamphetamine (ice) or ecstasy either the day before a game or on match days.
"It goes against everything I believe as a sportsman," he said.
Yet Cousins also revealed in the documentary, which concludes on the Seven Network tonight, that his regular and increasing use of hard drugs drove him to train harder and harder.
"I needed to balance that (training) with something that very early on became drugs," he said.
"The unique thing about my situation was that I applied the same (dedication) to football as I did to drugs.
"The longer I did it, the better football I played, the more it reinforced to me that I had a method that was working."
During Cousins' decorated career at West Coast, many marvelled at his ability to run to the point of vomiting and then continue to excel, as Eagles legend Glen Jakovich noted last night.
While many are doubtful of the performance-enhancing benefits of the substances used by Cousins, who describes himself as a highly functioning drug addict, other experts believe they can be useful during training blocks. John Mendoza, the former head of the Australian Sports Drug Agency, told The Australian in 2007 there was no reason, in theory at least, why a footballer's performance, be it in training or during matches, would not be improved during the middle of a four-day ice binge.
"They go on a bender, don't sleep, crash and then three or four days later, start the cycle again," Mendoza said.
"Amphetamine is known to be a performance-enhancing drug both in the sprint context and in cycling. Why would that not translate into enhanced performance for an AFL midfielder who is all over the paddock?"
When Cousins was initially suspended by West Coast, club figures said they had an inkling of the 2005 Brownlow medallist's use of drugs in July 2006.
While Cousins said he began dabbling with drugs as a teenager, his father -- a former champion -- was critical of West Coast's decision to award the star the captaincy at such a young age.
"I was concerned because I could see him being built up and I could see his attitude to life was (that he thought he was) bullet-proof," he said.
While repeated indiscretions cost Cousins the captaincy, it did not stop his focus to claim the 2006 premiership after the "gut wrenching" defeat to Sydney a year earlier.
"Everything I had done in my career was about getting to that moment . . . I thought I was entitled to let my hair down."
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/cousins-drug-addict-not-drug-cheat/story-e6frg7mf-1225910117924
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'Broker' Kevin Sheedy an unlikely saviour for Ben Cousins
Andrew Webster
Herald Sun
August 26, 2010
KEVIN Sheedy says he helped broker the deal that delivered Ben Cousins a second coming because he feared for the fallen superstar's life.
Cousins opens up in the second episode of the controversial documentary about his drug addiction - to be aired on Channel 7 tonight - that Sheedy was crucial in his rebirth as a player.
"It's about saving the life of someone's child," Sheedy said last night.
"When you see Heath Ledger die, and (former AFL star) Chris Mainwaring die, how many more kids do we have to see die when you can find a way for them to get away from the addiction they're in?
"A lot of people see that as soft. I see it as something I grew up with as a person, being a Christian."
Cousins's then manager, Ricky Nixon, phoned Sheedy in desperation when a score of AFL clubs slammed the door on a possible return following the ex-West Coast Eagle's 12-month suspension.
Sheedy engineered negotiations between his former club, Richmond, and its coach, Terry Wallace. Cousins will play his final match before retirement - following two seasons with the Tigers - against Port Adelaide on Sunday.
"He had no chance unless I brokered an opportunity with Richmond and their coach, Terry Wallace," Sheedy said.
"Full marks really go to Richmond, because they reversed their opinion about the issue. When it got down to no choices, we had to seriously look at it as a person's life - not just a game of footy. Some people don't understand the difference."
There have been mixed reactions to the first part of the Cousins documentary.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/broker-kevin-sheedy-an-unlikely-saviour-for-ben-cousins/story-e6frf7l6-1225910130847
Most on here bagged me 2 years ago when i said sheeds was behind it. ;)
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publicity is good for merchandise sales. common Richmond put more stuff out and make a killing doing so!
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Most on here bagged me 2 years ago when i said sheeds was behind it. ;)
And before you get up on your soap box saying "I told ya so" you said it was Sheeds only who got Cousins to Richmond - you gave all the credit to Sheeds and no one else
I stand by what I've always it wasn't Sheeds only who got him to Richmond.... I know that for a (borrowing your favourite saying) FACT. There is alot more to Ben geting to Richmond than just K Sheedy and that's always being my point ;D
And can I add that Brian Cousins is super bloke ;D
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'Broker' Kevin Sheedy an unlikely saviour for Ben Cousins
Andrew Webster
Herald Sun
August 26, 2010
KEVIN Sheedy says he helped broker the deal that delivered Ben Cousins a second coming because he feared for the fallen superstar's life.
Cousins opens up in the second episode of the controversial documentary about his drug addiction - to be aired on Channel 7 tonight - that Sheedy was crucial in his rebirth as a player.
"It's about saving the life of someone's child," Sheedy said last night.
"When you see Heath Ledger die, and (former AFL star) Chris Mainwaring die, how many more kids do we have to see die when you can find a way for them to get away from the addiction they're in?
"A lot of people see that as soft. I see it as something I grew up with as a person, being a Christian."
Cousins's then manager, Ricky Nixon, phoned Sheedy in desperation when a score of AFL clubs slammed the door on a possible return following the ex-West Coast Eagle's 12-month suspension.
Sheedy engineered negotiations between his former club, Richmond, and its coach, Terry Wallace. Cousins will play his final match before retirement - following two seasons with the Tigers - against Port Adelaide on Sunday.
"He had no chance unless I brokered an opportunity with Richmond and their coach, Terry Wallace," Sheedy said.
"Full marks really go to Richmond, because they reversed their opinion about the issue. When it got down to no choices, we had to seriously look at it as a person's life - not just a game of footy. Some people don't understand the difference."
There have been mixed reactions to the first part of the Cousins documentary.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/broker-kevin-sheedy-an-unlikely-saviour-for-ben-cousins/story-e6frf7l6-1225910130847
Most on here bagged me 2 years ago when i said sheeds was behind it. ;)
Wasn't overly ground breaking. Sheeds confronted Richmond officials at the Best and Fairest Night about drafted Cousins publically..
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I saw no remorse or regret. I saw his poor family go through hell, while a handsome young man smiled smugly at the camera and thumbed his nose at the AFL. If I was an upcoming talented AFL player this doco told me that I could still perform at an elite level and be a drug addict and get away with it for a good long time and then make money from it later. I dont think the young ones who believe they are bullet proof will se the struggle and the downside.
I am hoping tonights episode will be more about remorse and regret and Bens realisation of how everything can go so wrong, and be much more in your face about it.
If last nights show was about Wayne Carey I wouldve turned it off halfway through
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I saw no remorse or regret. I saw his poor family go through hell, while a handsome young man smiled smugly at the camera and thumbed his nose at the AFL. If I was an upcoming talented AFL player this doco told me that I could still perform at an elite level and be a drug addict and get away with it for a good long time and then make money from it later. I dont think the young ones who believe they are bullet proof will se the struggle and the downside.
I am hoping tonights episode will be more about remorse and regret and Bens realisation of how everything can go so wrong, and be much more in your face about it.
If last nights show was about Wayne Carey I wouldve turned it off halfway through
It's only half way there
My idea of why he's doing this show is he's telling you what really happened, rather than what the media fabricate. What better way than to hear it from the horse's mouth.
He's not condoning his behaviour either, he's just saying what was in his head at the time.
Remorse or regret may come tonight
Basically, it's his story, he should be allowed to tell it how he likes
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Most on here bagged me 2 years ago when i said sheeds was behind it. ;)
When was that Jack? I've just looked back through the entire Ben Cousins thread and the media mentioned Sheedy's involvement 3 times - on Dec 14th 2008, Dec 19th 2008 and Aug 8th 2009 but you never mentioned it once up to that point (12 months ago). When did you say that and who were the "most" that bagged you?
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I had to laugh when he met the two girls in America, and said they were good times, until he ended up in an ambulance, with a smirk on his face.
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LOL Smokey you just ruined a good soapbox moment with your darn facts again. Bet ya.that he comes back with the old can't be bothered to go through my posts .......
What gets my goat in all this is people who weren't involved with Cuz other than watching him via media believed they are owed an apology or public shows of remorse\regret from him. Get over yourself folks he owes u jack poo.
He only owes his family, friends and loved ones and those he has directly affected anything.
The rest of us nuffers getting our entertainment via media off Cuz can go join Terry W and his dog as far as I am concerned if we believe Cuz owes us anything.
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lol well chuck. 'he owes me an apology dammit!!' lol same moralising bastard will then go walk the dog and have it crap on someone elses nature strip if he can get away with it.
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Most on here bagged me 2 years ago when i said sheeds was behind it. ;)
And before you get up on your soap box saying "I told ya so" you said it was Sheeds only who got Cousins to Richmond - you gave all the credit to Sheeds and no one else
I stand by what I've always it wasn't Sheeds only who got him to Richmond.... I know that for a (borrowing your favourite saying) FACT. There is alot more to Ben geting to Richmond than just K Sheedy and that's always being my point ;D
And can I add that Brian Cousins is super bloke ;D
according to David King on AFl 360 last night he pretty much admitted it was the players who turned the decision around 24 hours before the draft.
All the coaching staff had decided he wasnt to be drafted but that all changed after a player revolt led by newy the night before the draft.
I sense some bad blood between King and the tanned one as King really made a point of it last night
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As a heavy hitting documentary it's only just a pass to this point but one thing I have learned is that I do feel for Cousins family in all this.
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so now the Vic police have said if if they can prove those drugs were taken in Victoria Cuz may be charged. This is something that puts the message out there.
They should worry about stopping the big rave parties that go on around the city or making it compulsory to search and charge each person that enters.
How about stopping the violent crime that exists in our state. How about stopping the alleged incidents that happen when you smash your mrs in the face.
Give me a spell they have no stuffin idea.
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How about stopping those that import/manufacture drugs and stop wasting time and money busting the end user that is not going to stop taking drugs because of a conviction or fine.
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How about stopping those that import/manufacture drugs and stop wasting time and money busting the end user that is not going to stop taking drugs because of a conviction or fine.
Simple, they can't, I watched a UK documentary on the issue last night and despite the billions spend in the war on drugs, they estimate that they only stop between 1 (academic number) to 10% (police number) of the heroin coming into the country and that's a small country, not a big landmass like Australia. That is a failure in anyones book. There is so much money to be made that all the people who do the importing have bribed everyone in a position to stop the shipments.
Prohibition doesn't work, it never has and prosecuting the end user as a criminal is ridiculous.
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I saw no remorse or regret. I saw his poor family go through hell, while a handsome young man smiled smugly at the camera and thumbed his nose at the AFL. If I was an upcoming talented AFL player this doco told me that I could still perform at an elite level and be a drug addict and get away with it for a good long time and then make money from it later. I dont think the young ones who believe they are bullet proof will se the struggle and the downside.
I am hoping tonights episode will be more about remorse and regret and Bens realisation of how everything can go so wrong, and be much more in your face about it.
If last nights show was about Wayne Carey I wouldve turned it off halfway through
Let us not forget that the doco was started in 2008, a time when Cuz was still using so there may not have been any regret then! But now? Probably a different story! His media conference when he announced his retirement shows that!
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I was captivated by part 1 of the Ben Cousins documentary.I can see why some people have suggested it has glamorized drug use as Ben still comes across as a lovable rascal.I eagerly look forward to part 2 ....I wonder if we will see a more remorseful Ben Cousins tonight.
What I found most interesting from part 1......
1) Ben has made fools of many of his adoring fans back in Perth.Many people (quite blindly) made excuse after excuse for Bens erratic behaviour .Many people claimed that Ben was a man of good character. It all came out last night that WAs golden boy has been a drug user for the entirety of his West Coast career.
2) What the hell was happening at West Coast.If their captain and spiritual leader was a prolific drug user.. how many others shared the same lifestyle.Interesting that fellow premiership player Chad Fletcher was charged with cocaine possesion in Sydney on the weekend.
I find it hard to believe that a professional club could have its "head in the sand". Where are the "whistle blowers" at this club ? I heard on talk back radio this morning that Ken Judge warned the club about his concerns at a drug culture before he was shown the door.
3) Ben is very lucky to have a father like Bryan Cousins.
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Simple, they can't, I watched a UK documentary on the issue last night and despite the billions spend in the war on drugs, they estimate that they only stop between 1 (academic number) to 10% (police number) of the heroin coming into the country and that's a small country, not a big landmass like Australia. That is a failure in anyones book. There is so much money to be made that all the people who do the importing have bribed everyone in a position to stop the shipments.
Prohibition doesn't work, it never has and prosecuting the end user as a criminal is ridiculous.
Essentially my point. It is all a total waste of money. They're not going to legalise and tax drugs so if they're going to burn money to be seen to be doing something might as well focus on the top of the tree. You only have to talk to your local plod to find out they are over busting users and how much of a drain on their already tight resources it is.
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How about stopping those that import/manufacture drugs and stop wasting time and money busting the end user that is not going to stop taking drugs because of a conviction or fine.
you would not import.manufactue drugs unless people wanted to use them
enjoying your coffee? :cheers :
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I saw no remorse or regret. I saw his poor family go through hell, while a handsome young man smiled smugly at the camera and thumbed his nose at the AFL. If I was an upcoming talented AFL player this doco told me that I could still perform at an elite level and be a drug addict and get away with it for a good long time and then make money from it later. I dont think the young ones who believe they are bullet proof will se the struggle and the downside.
I am hoping tonights episode will be more about remorse and regret and Bens realisation of how everything can go so wrong, and be much more in your face about it.
If last nights show was about Wayne Carey I wouldve turned it off halfway through
Let us not forget that the doco was started in 2008, a time when Cuz was still using so there may not have been any regret then! But now? Probably a different story! His media conference when he announced his retirement shows that!
I agree, and I'm hoping that people watch part 2 because this part should be the "lesson to be learned" part. Part one was certainly no deterrent, in fact 2 young blokes who didnt really have an opinion on him now think he's a "machine" and were quite impressed by his hard work reward system.
I will be there cheering/thanking him on Sunday, he has done wonders for our club in more ways than one, but I do worry about his future
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wouldnot waste my veiwing time on this doco. its a money spinner
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like eminem's new album?
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Like Heidi M's new movie
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For those that thought it left a bad impression on kids, the Australian Drug Foundation said their phones had been running hot today with people ringing up about their addictions.
That's the bottom line IMO about how this should be viewed
:thumbsup
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They're not going to legalise and tax drugs
They should. Drug addiction should be treated as a health issue not a criminal issue and while drugs are illegal people are always going to be ashamed and hide their addictions.
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Most on here bagged me 2 years ago when i said sheeds was behind it. ;)
When was that Jack? I've just looked back through the entire Ben Cousins thread and the media mentioned Sheedy's involvement 3 times - on Dec 14th 2008, Dec 19th 2008 and Aug 8th 2009 but you never mentioned it once up to that point (12 months ago). When did you say that and who were the "most" that bagged you?
said it several times, as WP in an earlier post commented on.
Watch it tonight
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Most on here bagged me 2 years ago when i said sheeds was behind it. ;)
And before you get up on your soap box saying "I told ya so" you said it was Sheeds only who got Cousins to Richmond - you gave all the credit to Sheeds and no one else
I stand by what I've always it wasn't Sheeds only who got him to Richmond.... I know that for a (borrowing your favourite saying) FACT. There is alot more to Ben geting to Richmond than just K Sheedy and that's always being my point ;D
And can I add that Brian Cousins is super bloke ;D
k.sheedy instigated it , leave it at that.
Watch it tonight
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They should. Drug addiction should be treated as a health issue not a criminal issue and while drugs are illegal people are always going to be ashamed and hide their addictions.
stuffing oath and they should use the tax on drugs to fund rehabilitation and education.
Drugs would also be cleaner and safer if regulated.
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k.sheedy instigated it , leave it at that.
Watch it tonight
Now your saying he "instigated it". Previously you've said Sheeds is the reason Ben's at Richmond, Sheedy got Cousins to the RFC etc - that's what you've had said for 12 months now. Which is it? Because there is a massive difference
My views on this have not changed. How much clearer do I need to make this for you?
I have never disputed the fact that Sheeds contact Ben Cousins - never disputed it.
What have disputed is this mantra of yours that Sheeds is the reason, the only reason Cousins is Richmond because that is not the case. There were alot of people who were involved in getting Ben to the Tigers and that is a FACT
And I will say again Brian Cousins is a fantastic bloke :thumbsup
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I think the doc just proved it, hope your watching
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Look WP, pointless arguing with you, could tell you something but wont.
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Look WP, pointless arguing with you, could tell you something but wont.
Another cop out Jacknostar.
The pressure was on at Tigerland a few years ago and you ran away.....or someone saw you as a sniper and cut you loose.
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Look WP, pointless arguing with you, could tell you something but wont.
Another cop out Jacknostar.
The pressure was on at Tigerland a few years ago and you ran away.....or someone saw you as a sniper and cut you loose.
crap
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great Doco defiantly sent the right message !!
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Terrys achieved nothing as a coach except drafting Cousins back.
You drafted "topped up the list" to keep your job and improve the on field performance. Both failed. Makes me sick Terry looking for applause for drafting Ben and saving his life. IIRC it was Craig Cameron who made the call.
Fantastic part 2, very moving doco IMO.
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wouldnot waste my veiwing time on this doco. its a money spinner
You sir are an idiot.
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They're not going to legalise and tax drugs
They should. Drug addiction should be treated as a health issue not a criminal issue and while drugs are illegal people are always going to be ashamed and hide their addictions.
Doesn't stop the issue of drug taking. This only stops drug trafficking.
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They should. Drug addiction should be treated as a health issue not a criminal issue and while drugs are illegal people are always going to be ashamed and hide their addictions.
effing oath and they should use the tax on drugs to fund rehabilitation and education.
Drugs would also be cleaner and safer if regulated.
Sorry I dont agree.
1 problem is drug taking and constant drug abuse = addiction over time
2nd problem is drug experimentation and overdose on first use or recreational occasional use, mostly in youths.
Legalising drugs doesnt stop accidental overdosing which is a higher percentage of deaths than constant drug abuse overdose.
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Terrys achieved nothing as a coach except drafting Cousins back.
You drafted "topped up the list" to keep your job and improve the on field performance. Both failed. Makes me sick Terry looking for applause for drafting Ben and saving his life. IIRC it was Craig Cameron who made the call.
Fantastic part 2, very moving doco IMO.
Like it or not, and according to his father, drafting him did save his life
Terry drafted him!
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Terrys achieved nothing as a coach except drafting Cousins back.
You drafted "topped up the list" to keep your job and improve the on field performance. Both failed. Makes me sick Terry looking for applause for drafting Ben and saving his life. IIRC it was Craig Cameron who made the call.
Fantastic part 2, very moving doco IMO.
great documentary,
Cant wait for Wallace to have his say.
Wallace didnt want Cousins at the start
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Sorry but even Brian Cousins said that if he wasn't drafted he was convinced that Ben wouldn't be with us now and he's spoken of suicide
They're not going to legalise and tax drugs
They should. Drug addiction should be treated as a health issue not a criminal issue and while drugs are illegal people are always going to be ashamed and hide their addictions.
Doesn't stop the issue of drug taking. This only stops drug trafficking.
Neither does prohibition, people need to realise that you will never stop demand.
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Terrys achieved nothing as a coach except drafting Cousins back.
You drafted "topped up the list" to keep your job and improve the on field performance. Both failed. Makes me sick Terry looking for applause for drafting Ben and saving his life. IIRC it was Craig Cameron who made the call.
Fantastic part 2, very moving doco IMO.
Like it or not, and according to his father, drafting him did save his life
Terry drafted him!
RFC drafted Ben
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Terrys achieved nothing as a coach except drafting Cousins back.
You drafted "topped up the list" to keep your job and improve the on field performance. Both failed. Makes me sick Terry looking for applause for drafting Ben and saving his life. IIRC it was Craig Cameron who made the call.
Fantastic part 2, very moving doco IMO.
Like it or not, and according to his father, drafting him did save his life
Terry drafted him!
No he didn't Craig Cameron the list manager did. Terry whinged about not having any power over drafting.. Yet when it comes to Ben he claims to have saved his life. He uses the words "We" when drafting Ben but when its about Hislop, McMahon etc he complains about the club giving power to Craig Cameron.
Have no doubt it saved his life. My issue is Terry claiming he was behind it.
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Sorry I dont agree.
1 problem is drug taking and constant drug abuse = addiction over time
2nd problem is drug experimentation and overdose on first use or recreational occasional use, mostly in youths.
Legalising drugs doesnt stop accidental overdosing which is a higher percentage of deaths than constant drug abuse overdose.
Absolute garbage, stop buying into government scare tactics. Most drugs are less addictive than alcohol and much less harmful to your body also. One of the biggest problems with prohibition is it has caused people to turn to cheap substitutes like GHB which causes most of the overdoses at the big dance parties.
Most overdoses in all drugs are caused by fluctuations in quality, legalising drugs would create a standard strength of substance which would stop this.
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Terrys achieved nothing as a coach except drafting Cousins back.
You drafted "topped up the list" to keep your job and improve the on field performance. Both failed. Makes me sick Terry looking for applause for drafting Ben and saving his life. IIRC it was Craig Cameron who made the call.
Fantastic part 2, very moving doco IMO.
Like it or not, and according to his father, drafting him did save his life
Terry drafted him!
RFC drafted Ben
If Sheeds was coach at the time, you would have said Sheeds drafted him
You're sick lol
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
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Sorry Infamy that's extremely incorrect.
Global research will show you 90% of drug problems start in teenagers. It's not a common adult problem, unless its a on going problem that started as a youth.
Recreational drugs are party drugs, the club scene is littered with it. People don't take drugs on a Sunday Night watching the news.
Drugs are nearly always taken with alcohol which is a major cause of overdoses as well as physical attributes of the person.
"Most drugs" is extremely vague term to use. Cocaine, Ecstacy, Ice and Heroine are miles more addictive than alcohol. Caffeine and Tobacco are the only more addictive substances.
Drug problems are problems because over doses and deaths. Legalising use for addicts wont do a bit of help to the recreational scene where over doses are common.
Have you ever been to a House Music Festival Infamy?
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
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Ive been pretty soft on Wallace compared to others.. but Terry STFU about drafting Ben being about saving his life.
Sorry but even Brian Cousins said that if he wasn't drafted he was convinced that Ben wouldn't be with us now and he's spoken of suicide
They're not going to legalise and tax drugs
They should. Drug addiction should be treated as a health issue not a criminal issue and while drugs are illegal people are always going to be ashamed and hide their addictions.
Doesn't stop the issue of drug taking. This only stops drug trafficking.
Neither does prohibition, people need to realise that you will never stop demand.
Maybe with education through time. I grew up in a generation that was smothered and drowned how bad smoking was and how smoking kills. Compare that to 20 years prior it was very different.
We can legalise drugs that can help cure addiction with live drug centers but this doesn't help the biggest problem where the addictions starts via getting first use of drugs to start with.
There is a difference between drug addiction and drug taking and recreational use.
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Most overdoses in all drugs are caused by fluctuations in quality, legalising drugs would create a standard strength of substance which would stop this.
The highest percentage in overdose causes are the of the quantity of the drug it is taken in, the amount of alcohol in system in conjunction with the drug.
I'll agree legal centers will help the stereotype addict on the street that scrambles the dole payments for his next hit. Legalising centres wont stop 1 single overdose on the party scene. Party drugs are taken to enhance a party. There is no party at a government center.
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Sorry I dont agree.
1 problem is drug taking and constant drug abuse = addiction over time
2nd problem is drug experimentation and overdose on first use or recreational occasional use, mostly in youths.
Legalising drugs doesnt stop accidental overdosing which is a higher percentage of deaths than constant drug abuse overdose.
Absolute garbage, stop buying into government scare tactics. Most drugs are less addictive than alcohol and much less harmful to your body also. One of the biggest problems with prohibition is it has caused people to turn to cheap substitutes like GHB which causes most of the overdoses at the big dance parties.
Most overdoses in all drugs are caused by fluctuations in quality, legalising drugs would create a standard strength of substance which would stop this.
Honestly mate you have absolutely no idea if your saying poo like that. Legalise drugs so then we have 17 and 18 year olds walking the streets with Cocaine falling from their nostrels or smoking dope Amsterdam styles down at the local cafe. With the greatest respect your way out of our league here pal and not for the first time may i add.
Nixon and Overland are the biggest idiots going around thats all i know.
Nixon is prepared to waste our countries money helping mcguire follow ben around when we have big rave parties with 20,000 people walking in with their pockets lined up with goodies, some of whom are big time dealers. We should have cops searching every person and question them to find their source.
Look at the streets, Look at the city, look at how parents are too scared to give their kids a whack these days. Kids do anything these days because they know they can get away with it.
legalise Drugs... :banghead :banghead ive heard it all now;
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Terry employed by Crocmedia- Hutchy these days, say no more
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Terry employed by Crocmedia- Hutchy these days, say no more
He's allowed to work ::)
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Sorry Popelord but your "facts" are completely wrong
A commonly accepted scale of addiction for recreational substances has those more addictive than Alcohol as Ice, Heroin, Cocaine, Tobacco and then prescription Barbituates if you consider them recreational. Other scales have heroin and cocaine listed lower than alcohol but crack higher. Ecstacy on every scale is less addictive by 50-75% over alcohol, but also considered less harmful to your body.
The only PHYSICALLY addictive substances are Heroin, Alcohol, Tobacco & some prescription meds, everything else is psychological addiction
That's only the start of how wrong you are, seriously there's barely one correct comment in those posts
Daniel, explain how Portugal's decriminalisation of drugs has resulted in a drop of use in adults
You say I'm out of my league, but I can assure you I know far more on this topic than you.
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Terry employed by Crocmedia- Hutchy these days, say no more
He's allowed to work ::)
Only person who would employ him was Hutchy ::)
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Sorry I dont agree.
1 problem is drug taking and constant drug abuse = addiction over time
2nd problem is drug experimentation and overdose on first use or recreational occasional use, mostly in youths.
Legalising drugs doesnt stop accidental overdosing which is a higher percentage of deaths than constant drug abuse overdose.
Absolute garbage, stop buying into government scare tactics. Most drugs are less addictive than alcohol and much less harmful to your body also. One of the biggest problems with prohibition is it has caused people to turn to cheap substitutes like GHB which causes most of the overdoses at the big dance parties.
Most overdoses in all drugs are caused by fluctuations in quality, legalising drugs would create a standard strength of substance which would stop this.
Honestly mate you have absolutely no idea if your saying poo like that. Legalise drugs so then we have 17 and 18 year olds walking the streets with Cocaine falling from their nostrels or smoking dope Amsterdam styles down at the local cafe. With the greatest respect your way out of our league here pal and not for the first time may i add.
Nixon and Overland are the biggest idiots going around thats all i know.
Nixon is prepared to waste our countries money helping mcguire follow ben around when we have big rave parties with 20,000 people walking in with their pockets lined up with goodies, some of whom are big time dealers. We should have cops searching every person and question them to find their source.
Look at the streets, Look at the city, look at how parents are too scared to give their kids a whack these days. Kids do anything these days because they know they can get away with it.
legalise Drugs... :banghead :banghead ive heard it all now;
agree.
should be like Bali.
our jails would be full
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Gary March should of gone on instead of Brendon IMHO.
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Terry employed by Crocmedia- Hutchy these days, say no more
He's allowed to work ::)
Only person who would employ him was Hutchy ::)
Well, most people only have one job at a time, so no need to look elsewhere ::)
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Very interesting and insightful doco.
My very best wishes to Ben and his family, I hope everything turns out for the best in their futures
:clapping
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Seven would have wanted Benny Gale as he could kill two birds with one stone - CEO of the RFC and ex-head of the AFLPA.
More hard hitting tonight as far as what Cuz put his family through. Trying to leave the family home at 3am in search of drugs almost coming to blows and then dumping his father off at a bus shelter in his pyjamas midwinter showed how desperate an addict he had become. Ben is one lucky boy to have a dad and family as strong to cope with crap like that.
Selfishly from a Richmond perspective the Club has come out of this smelling like roses. Even Bryan Cousins admitted tonight he would've feared for Ben if he wasn't re-drafted back into football. Interesting that much of the past two years with us was only a small part at the end. No footage of the camera in the rooms before the NAB Cup game against Collingwood last year which caused a bit of fuss at the time. Hutchy on Nine and Mike on Seven still claiming there was more to Cuz ending up in hospital six weeks ago although Benny Gale told Mike the Club had nothing to doubt Ben's version.
During the ads I clicked over to the footy show and Sam was going off about Ben taking us all for a ride and he's claiming an addiction to make money. It might be wise to watch both parts of the doco before making an ignorant dill of yourself Sammy.
After seeing the doco tonight you can see Cuz had to retire. The AFL wouldn't be happy with him shaving out of fear of a possible positive test that tests history as far back as 3 months nor Ben saying the AFL were only interested in keeping up appearances (Ben coming across as "cured") when he applied to re-register with the AFL. Benny doesn't have to worry about "please explain" letters after Sunday. Saves the Club from the circus following the doco as well.
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wouldnot waste my veiwing time on this doco. its a money spinner
You sir are an idiot.
your a liar :lol :shh
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BEN Cousins has been urged to dob in anyone who supplied him with drugs or who may have been dealing drugs.
West Australian police commissioner Karl O'Callaghan has urged Cousins to name the drug dealers from whom he may have sourced his supply.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ron-barassi-says-west-coast-has-a-lot-to-answer-for-over-ben-cousins/story-e6frf9jf-1225910237455
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I would have liked to see a close up of the white board behind hardwick
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Players key to Tigers landing Ben Cousins
Conor Ryan
Herald Sun
August 27, 2010
FORMER Richmond insider David King has claimed it was player power that got Ben Cousins to Punt Rd.
King said officials had decided to pass on Cousins before skipper Chris Newman led a player revolt on the night before the 2008 pre-season draft.
Richmond took Cousins in the draft, allowing the Brownlow medallist to reclaim his AFL career after he had been deregistered by the AFL at the end of 2007.
Former North Melbourne star King was an assistant coach during Terry Wallace's five-year reign as Richmond coach.
His comments on Cousins appeared to be aimed at his former boss.
Wallace this week spoke of humanitarian considerations getting Cousins across the line after St Kilda and Collingwood had passed on the disgraced Brownlow medallist.
"We sat around the board table and it was all over talkback radio and every Richmond supporter was having their say," Wallace said.
"I can remember telling the board, 'We're the last opportunity; St Kilda have said no, Collingwood have dropped out earlier on . . . and this is bigger than just a footy story.
"In six months time, if we don't go down this path and something terrible happens, do you actually sleep well at night?'
"Sometimes it's pushing yourself over an obligation and saying there's something you can do in life that may help."
King gave his version on Fox Sport's AFL 360.
"I hear a lot of different things about people taking credit for different things along the way," King said.
"I remember sitting in on a meeting - this is the fair dinkum truth - the day before the draft.
"The players were called into an area with the footy staff and we were told that he wasn't going to be coming to Richmond Football Club.
"Then 24 hours later, because of the campaigning of the playing group, via the captain Chris Newman - and they fronted the coach over an eight-hour period and phone calls here and there that night - they read out 'pick 6, Ben Cousins'."
Wallace yesterday said Richmond officials were aware Cousins was using illicit drugs in 2008 - and that Cousins had admitted using drugs within days of an initial meeting.
The Eagles premiership player has admitted abusing cocaine, ice and amphetamines in Such Is Life - The Ben Cousins Story which has aired on Seven in the past two nights.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/players-key-to-tigers-landing-ben-cousins/story-e6frf9jf-1225910645662
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Ben Cousin's father Bryan feared his son's life would be lost to drugs
Nathan Mawby
Herald Sun
August 27, 2010
BEN Cousins' father feared his son would die at the peak of his drug addiction.
Part two of the documentary revealed Cousins' drug abuse was so bad he almost came to blows with his father, who was so worried about his son he went with him to get drugs.
The revelations follow calls from the West Australian police commissioner for Ben Cousins to name and shame his drug dealers if he is truly remorseful. The comments from Karl O'Callaghan came amid the furore over the Brownlow medallist's controversial doco, Such Is Life.
Are we better off after the Cousins tell-all documentary? Have your say below
The second half of the doco also revealed Cousins' father, Bryan, believed his son would die, but didn't know how to help him.
"I knew we were dealing with a potentially life and death situation," Bryan Cousins said. "I thought, if I get this wrong, we could lose him."
Bryan also revealed a harrowing early morning incident in which he feared being attacked by his son.
Click here to replay the blog with drug expert Paul Dillon
The family tried to stop him from going to get drugs, but in the end nothing could deter him. "He said 'If I want to go, you can't stop me'," Bryan said. "I traded off and said that I would go with him."
Soon after, he was dumped at a bus stop in his pyjamas, with no shoes and no phone, in the cold.
Despite the trauma endured by Cousins' family, WA police have ruled out probing the drug use seen in the doco, but Victoria Police will investigate if it's revealed Cousins used drugs in this state.
Cousins also admits in the documentary he'll be an addict for life.
AFL spokesman Brian Walsh said the league now acknowledged this, but felt he'd now reached a more positive place.
"He has shown that with the support of a loving family, appropriate counselling and treatment and an opportunity to return to work, he has been able to confront his addiction," Mr Walsh said.
"He will live with that addiction all his life but he's proved he can stay drug-free and I think with that ongoing support he can ... live a productive life, whether he stays in the football industry or not."
Football legend Ron Barassi, youth worker Les Twentyman and Bulldogs champion Doug Hawkins all raised questions about West Coast's knowledge of Cousins' drug taking.
Former Richmond coach Terry Wallace said the Tigers knew Cousins was still using illegal drugs when they recruited him in November 2008. "His answer was he had (taken drugs) within days of speaking to us," he told 3AW.
Mr O'Callaghan said Cousins should dob in dealers if he wanted to stop the scourge of drugs.
Former Carlton champ Anthony Koutoufides said Cousins should tell how he hid his drug use.
"I think the AFL needs to know how he got away with it because it's not good for them," he said.
Twentyman slammed the documentary, saying it showed Hollywood-style drug use. "That's not the reality (of) what we deal with. It destroys lives. Ben's life hasn't been destroyed," he said.
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said the extent of Cousins' drug problem wasn't revealed until he failed to turn up to a test in early 2007.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ben-cousins-father-bryan-feared-his-sons-life-would-be-lost-to-drugs/story-e6frf9jf-1225910633779
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Seven would have wanted Benny Gale as he could kill two birds with one stone - CEO of the RFC and ex-head of the AFLPA.
More hard hitting tonight as far as what Cuz put his family through. Trying to leave the family home at 3am in search of drugs almost coming to blows and then dumping his father off at a bus shelter in his pyjamas midwinter showed how desperate an addict he had become. Ben is one lucky boy to have a dad and family as strong to cope with crap like that.
Selfishly from a Richmond perspective the Club has come out of this smelling like roses. Even Bryan Cousins admitted tonight he would've feared for Ben if he wasn't re-drafted back into football. Interesting that much of the past two years with us was only a small part at the end. No footage of the camera in the rooms before the NAB Cup game against Collingwood last year which caused a bit of fuss at the time. Hutchy on Nine and Mike on Seven still claiming there was more to Cuz ending up in hospital six weeks ago although Benny Gale told Mike the Club had nothing to doubt Ben's version.
During the ads I clicked over to the footy show and Sam was going off about Ben taking us all for a ride and he's claiming an addiction to make money. It might be wise to watch both parts of the doco before making an ignorant dill of yourself Sammy.
After seeing the doco tonight you can see Cuz had to retire. The AFL wouldn't be happy with him shaving out of fear of a possible positive test that tests history as far back as 3 months nor Ben saying the AFL were only interested in keeping up appearances (Ben coming across as "cured") when he applied to re-register with the AFL. Benny doesn't have to worry about "please explain" letters after Sunday. Saves the Club from the circus following the doco as well.
agree.
there was more to the hosiptal visit 6 weeks ago. Mike is on the right track there
The doco didnt hide that there could be relaspes nor did they touch on the pre season visit to the Epworth either.
good on Ben, great doco
Lets hope the tiges win and he plays on sunday
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Read David Kings article today, club didnt want to take him.
King has a decent whack at the tanned one, claiming it was the player group who wanted the Cuz and forced the issue
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Read David Kings article today, club didnt want to take him.
King has a decent whack at the tanned one, claiming it was the player group who wanted the Cuz and forced the issue
So the players had the final say did they?
I think not! Terry still had to say yes or don't they count the coach's opinion?
Look at the documentary again yourself, Terry said that he for one couldn't live with the consequences had they not drafted him if Ben had gone off the rails.
Unlike you, Terry has some compassion!
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LOL, Terry Wallet ::)
Read todays whack from David King.
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LOL, Terry Wallet ::)
Read todays whack from David King.
David Who? :lol
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David King, Current AFL coaching inductee course, Current coach of private school Carey Grammar.
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Look WP, pointless arguing with you, could tell you something but wont.
Gee wiz you forgot one of these ;)
And BTW you'd be surprised at who I've spoken to about this which I suppose means I could tell you something ;)
I watched the doco - all of it
I'll repeat it for the final time!
I am not disputing that one K Sheey instigated contact with one B. Cousins and the RFC... the doco proved that.. I have agreed with that from day 1
However, You have said form day 1 that one K Sheedy and K Sheedy alone got one B Cousins to the RFC, Sheedy was the only reason that Cousins is at the RFC- that's what you've been sprouting for 18+ months except for the last 2 days where you've have changed your view to he instigated it
That is absolute CRAP not a doubt in my mind that Sheedy did not get Cousins to the RFC all by himself and that's always been my argument....
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David King, Current AFL coaching inductee course, Current coach of private school Carey Grammar.
Oh yes, one of the ones you wanted gone from Richmond last year
Clearly not credible in your eyes then, so why now?
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After seeing the doco tonight you can see Cuz had to retire. The AFL wouldn't be happy with him shaving out of fear of a possible positive test that tests history as far back as 3 months nor Ben saying the AFL were only interested in keeping up appearances (Ben coming across as "cured") when he applied to re-register with the AFL. Benny doesn't have to worry about "please explain" letters after Sunday. Saves the Club from the circus following the doco as well.
The shaving of the hair episode was when he was trying to get re-registered back in 2008 - had nothing to do with what went on a few months back. Wasn't it?
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Look WP, pointless arguing with you, could tell you something but wont.
Gee wiz you forgot one of these ;)
And BTW you'd be surprised at who I've spoken to about this which I suppose means I could tell you something ;)
I watched the doco - all of it
I'll repeat it for the final time!
I am not disputing that one K Sheey instigated contact with one B. Cousins and the RFC... the doco proved that.. I have agreed with that from day 1
However, You have said form day 1 that one K Sheedy and K Sheedy alone got one B Cousins to the RFC, Sheedy was the only reason that Cousins is at the RFC- that's what you've been sprouting for 18+ months except for the last 2 days where you've have changed your view to he instigated it
That is absolute CRAP not a doubt in my mind that Sheedy did not get Cousins to the RFC all by himself and that's always been my argument....
Yes i said from day one this.
That K sheedy rang wallace on several occasions.
didnt return the calls.
He then rang Craig Cameron.
Kevin suggetsed to the RFC that they should talk to Ben after his initial meeting with ben and his dad.
the rest is history as shown on the doco with the interview with kevin.
Mind you Kevin did approach people on the board with his views at the time
get over it WP
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and will further add that if Kevin didnt meet with Ben and his Dad, ben wouldnt have come to Punt Rd.
as ben wouldnt have had the nerve or changed his attitude to try again, as kevin explained on the Doco.
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we've come out of this looking a million bucks as a club thats all that counts - hopefully cousins stays healthy in the future.
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and hopefully he plays sunday and we win :gotigers
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Neil Twitchell is asking whether Ben should be deregistered and not allowed to play his last game, after admitting he shaved down for that drug test because he wasn't confident he would pass
What a bitter and twisted, nasty person! :banghead
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Neil Twitchell is asking whether Ben should be deregistered and not allowed to play his last game, after admitting he shaved down for that drug test because he wasn't confident he would pass
What a bitter and twisted, nasty person! :banghead
Yep, some peole are pretty sad really! More a reflection of them and thier lives.
On the doco, pretty stock standard stuff although pretty amazing how the Eagles kept it all under the carpet.
Had to laugh at Ben in his tinys dancing around grabbing his trogger, would of had some fun times. And no! in the end it is not worth it (Not the women!!!), but still would have been fun all the same.
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Sorry Popelord but your "facts" are completely wrong
A commonly accepted scale of addiction for recreational substances has those more addictive than Alcohol as Ice, Heroin, Cocaine, Tobacco and then prescription Barbituates if you consider them recreational. Other scales have heroin and cocaine listed lower than alcohol but crack higher. Ecstacy on every scale is less addictive by 50-75% over alcohol, but also considered less harmful to your body.
The only PHYSICALLY addictive substances are Heroin, Alcohol, Tobacco & some prescription meds, everything else is psychological addiction
That's only the start of how wrong you are, seriously there's barely one correct comment in those posts
Daniel, explain how Portugal's decriminalisation of drugs has resulted in a drop of use in adults
You say I'm out of my league, but I can assure you I know far more on this topic than you.
Agree that you're right in terms of physical and physiological addiction. But the measure of psychological and physical addictions is very hard to measure up against each other. To say alcohol is more addictive is impossible to say, as it is to say a party drug is.
Legalising substance centres for addicts has its positives as it gives a free and safe use for addicts that are trying to kick the habit. The same way smokers take Nicotine patches to take a safe dose of nicotine and gradually use less over time to kick the habit.
These centres wont stop the biggest problem of drug use which is the use of party drugs and first use cases. Drug centres on help the addicted, it doesn't stop the experimentation of drugs and the use of drugs to have a high cheap time and a party, club or event.
Does that make sense?
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Seven would have wanted Benny Gale as he could kill two birds with one stone - CEO of the RFC and ex-head of the AFLPA.
More hard hitting tonight as far as what Cuz put his family through. Trying to leave the family home at 3am in search of drugs almost coming to blows and then dumping his father off at a bus shelter in his pyjamas midwinter showed how desperate an addict he had become. Ben is one lucky boy to have a dad and family as strong to cope with crap like that.
Selfishly from a Richmond perspective the Club has come out of this smelling like roses. Even Bryan Cousins admitted tonight he would've feared for Ben if he wasn't re-drafted back into football. Interesting that much of the past two years with us was only a small part at the end. No footage of the camera in the rooms before the NAB Cup game against Collingwood last year which caused a bit of fuss at the time. Hutchy on Nine and Mike on Seven still claiming there was more to Cuz ending up in hospital six weeks ago although Benny Gale told Mike the Club had nothing to doubt Ben's version.
During the ads I clicked over to the footy show and Sam was going off about Ben taking us all for a ride and he's claiming an addiction to make money. It might be wise to watch both parts of the doco before making an ignorant dill of yourself Sammy.
After seeing the doco tonight you can see Cuz had to retire. The AFL wouldn't be happy with him shaving out of fear of a possible positive test that tests history as far back as 3 months nor Ben saying the AFL were only interested in keeping up appearances (Ben coming across as "cured") when he applied to re-register with the AFL. Benny doesn't have to worry about "please explain" letters after Sunday. Saves the Club from the circus following the doco as well.
agree.
there was more to the hosiptal visit 6 weeks ago. Mike is on the right track there
The doco didnt hide that there could be relaspes nor did they touch on the pre season visit to the Epworth either.
good on Ben, great doco
Lets hope the tiges win and he plays on sunday
Jack the only way there could be more to the Epworth incident is if Ben was still able to fake and bypass the 3 tests a week from the AFL?
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Read David Kings article today, club didnt want to take him.
King has a decent whack at the tanned one, claiming it was the player group who wanted the Cuz and forced the issue
I have a feeling this maybe right, however Cameron had more to do with it than it seemed.
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well watch the Doco again, and see what Ben said about kevin and then what Kevin said about Ben going to melb and not being so bold.
Rewind the tape, its all there
kevin organised the meeting at the RFC after he Ben, and his dad had dinner in perth
Sheeds had all to gain but no responsibility if it turned out bad
Terry did!
Read David Kings article today, club didnt want to take him.
King has a decent whack at the tanned one, claiming it was the player group who wanted the Cuz and forced the issue
So the players had the final say did they?
I think not! Terry still had to say yes or don't they count the coach's opinion?
Look at the documentary again yourself, Terry said that he for one couldn't live with the consequences had they not drafted him if Ben had gone off the rails.
Unlike you, Terry has some compassion!
FNM,
Wallace had no power over drafting anymore, that's why Cameron was enlisted and would over sea the list management at the time.
Wallace if he agreed or not with drafting Cousins couldn't have made the call.
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Seven would have wanted Benny Gale as he could kill two birds with one stone - CEO of the RFC and ex-head of the AFLPA.
More hard hitting tonight as far as what Cuz put his family through. Trying to leave the family home at 3am in search of drugs almost coming to blows and then dumping his father off at a bus shelter in his pyjamas midwinter showed how desperate an addict he had become. Ben is one lucky boy to have a dad and family as strong to cope with crap like that.
Selfishly from a Richmond perspective the Club has come out of this smelling like roses. Even Bryan Cousins admitted tonight he would've feared for Ben if he wasn't re-drafted back into football. Interesting that much of the past two years with us was only a small part at the end. No footage of the camera in the rooms before the NAB Cup game against Collingwood last year which caused a bit of fuss at the time. Hutchy on Nine and Mike on Seven still claiming there was more to Cuz ending up in hospital six weeks ago although Benny Gale told Mike the Club had nothing to doubt Ben's version.
During the ads I clicked over to the footy show and Sam was going off about Ben taking us all for a ride and he's claiming an addiction to make money. It might be wise to watch both parts of the doco before making an ignorant dill of yourself Sammy.
After seeing the doco tonight you can see Cuz had to retire. The AFL wouldn't be happy with him shaving out of fear of a possible positive test that tests history as far back as 3 months nor Ben saying the AFL were only interested in keeping up appearances (Ben coming across as "cured") when he applied to re-register with the AFL. Benny doesn't have to worry about "please explain" letters after Sunday. Saves the Club from the circus following the doco as well.
agree.
there was more to the hosiptal visit 6 weeks ago. Mike is on the right track there
The doco didnt hide that there could be relaspes nor did they touch on the pre season visit to the Epworth either.
good on Ben, great doco
Lets hope the tiges win and he plays on sunday
Jack the only way there could be more to the Epworth incident is if Ben was still able to fake and bypass the 3 tests a week from the AFL?
he doesnt necessary get tested each week, its at random
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Seven would have wanted Benny Gale as he could kill two birds with one stone - CEO of the RFC and ex-head of the AFLPA.
More hard hitting tonight as far as what Cuz put his family through. Trying to leave the family home at 3am in search of drugs almost coming to blows and then dumping his father off at a bus shelter in his pyjamas midwinter showed how desperate an addict he had become. Ben is one lucky boy to have a dad and family as strong to cope with crap like that.
Selfishly from a Richmond perspective the Club has come out of this smelling like roses. Even Bryan Cousins admitted tonight he would've feared for Ben if he wasn't re-drafted back into football. Interesting that much of the past two years with us was only a small part at the end. No footage of the camera in the rooms before the NAB Cup game against Collingwood last year which caused a bit of fuss at the time. Hutchy on Nine and Mike on Seven still claiming there was more to Cuz ending up in hospital six weeks ago although Benny Gale told Mike the Club had nothing to doubt Ben's version.
During the ads I clicked over to the footy show and Sam was going off about Ben taking us all for a ride and he's claiming an addiction to make money. It might be wise to watch both parts of the doco before making an ignorant dill of yourself Sammy.
After seeing the doco tonight you can see Cuz had to retire. The AFL wouldn't be happy with him shaving out of fear of a possible positive test that tests history as far back as 3 months nor Ben saying the AFL were only interested in keeping up appearances (Ben coming across as "cured") when he applied to re-register with the AFL. Benny doesn't have to worry about "please explain" letters after Sunday. Saves the Club from the circus following the doco as well.
agree.
there was more to the hosiptal visit 6 weeks ago. Mike is on the right track there
The doco didnt hide that there could be relaspes nor did they touch on the pre season visit to the Epworth either.
good on Ben, great doco
Lets hope the tiges win and he plays on sunday
Jack the only way there could be more to the Epworth incident is if Ben was still able to fake and bypass the 3 tests a week from the AFL?
he doesnt necessary get tested each week, its at random
As my knowledge sees it he had to be tested 3 times a week under AFL stipulations of his re-registering to the AFL?
It was this constant drug testing that's been raised as a part of the help for Ben to stay clean and now without football he wont have the 3 times a week testing to keep him in check?
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Look WP, pointless arguing with you, could tell you something but wont.
Gee wiz you forgot one of these ;)
And BTW you'd be surprised at who I've spoken to about this which I suppose means I could tell you something ;)
I watched the doco - all of it
I'll repeat it for the final time!
I am not disputing that one K Sheey instigated contact with one B. Cousins and the RFC... the doco proved that.. I have agreed with that from day 1
However, You have said form day 1 that one K Sheedy and K Sheedy alone got one B Cousins to the RFC, Sheedy was the only reason that Cousins is at the RFC- that's what you've been sprouting for 18+ months except for the last 2 days where you've have changed your view to he instigated it
That is absolute CRAP not a doubt in my mind that Sheedy did not get Cousins to the RFC all by himself and that's always been my argument....
Yes i said from day one this.
That K sheedy rang wallace on several occasions.
didnt return the calls.
He then rang Craig Cameron.
Kevin suggetsed to the RFC that they should talk to Ben after his initial meeting with ben and his dad.
the rest is history as shown on the doco with the interview with kevin.
Mind you Kevin did approach people on the board with his views at the time
get over it WP
Yeah Jack is right here.
Sheeds got the ball rolling and Cameron made the call. Probably thanks to Sheedy but I believe the groundswell Ben was creating coming to Richmond along with huge positive RFC fans responses the club drafted him from a business point of view and March ticked off on it.
The comments Terry uses "I just thought it was the moral thing to do to save his life" is just ridiculous seeing he had nothing to with it.
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I still cant believe Wallace said what he said on TV. Considering that most people know what happened. David King has whacked him big time.
Todays Herald sun tells the story of what actually happened with the players forcing the clubs hand after the club had said no. Wallace is a clown, no wonder he is now employed by Hutchy at Crocmedia :banghead
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As my knowledge sees it he had to be tested 3 times a week under AFL stipulations of his re-registering to the AFL?
It was this constant drug testing that's been raised as a part of the help for Ben to stay clean and now without football he wont have the 3 times a week testing to keep him in check?
Correct, and given amphetamines last in your system for about 48 hours before they can't be detected in urine, getting tested 3 times a week would make it impossible for him to pass if he'd taken drugs.
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As my knowledge sees it he had to be tested 3 times a week under AFL stipulations of his re-registering to the AFL?
It was this constant drug testing that's been raised as a part of the help for Ben to stay clean and now without football he wont have the 3 times a week testing to keep him in check?
Absolutely correct Pope he has been tested 3 times a week since he came back - the days are random but the number of tests per week are the same
get over it WP
Get over what exactly?
You have an view and you believe it is right and anyone who questions or disagree with it needs to what? "get over it"
Newsfalsh for ya - we don't all have to agree with you.
I have a view based on what I have been told by people who I respect and trust not what I have read in newspapers or read on forums.
That view is different to yours and guess what I still believe what I have been told by the people that I have spoken to and for me that's all that matters.
So I don't think I need to get over anything
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I still cant believe Wallace said what he said on TV. Considering that most people know what happened. David King has whacked him big time.
Todays Herald sun tells the story of what actually happened with the players forcing the clubs hand after the club had said no. Wallace is a clown, no wonder he is now employed by Hutchy at Crocmedia :banghead
is that right JAck?
Is he really now employed at croc media?
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Agree that you're right in terms of physical and physiological addiction. But the measure of psychological and physical addictions is very hard to measure up against each other. To say alcohol is more addictive is impossible to say, as it is to say a party drug is.
There is plenty of research on this matter, you only need to look it up. Clearly there are differing opinions on some substances and the fact that there are different versions of each substance, however there are enough consistant trends to highlight that some of the most dangerous and harmful substances are those that are legal.
Legalising substance centres for addicts has its positives as it gives a free and safe use for addicts that are trying to kick the habit. The same way smokers take Nicotine patches to take a safe dose of nicotine and gradually use less over time to kick the habit.
It's not only that, it's to do with education. At the moment the current drug education curriculum is purely a deterrant to taking drugs. They highlight only the negatives and explain how drugs will ruin your lives. A good example which you brought up is smoking, it's legal and always has been, however because it's legal the education around tobacco is purely to highlight the health issues associated with it, people know this is fact, accept it and choose to take or not take it. With drug use, people know that the information they are getting fed by the current education scheme is a lie, because they either know someone who uses or use themselves. Their own experiences contradict everything they are getting told and as such they pay no attention to it at all. The education is based purely to try and stop people starting, but there is no education to teach people harm minimisation which means once they start the education method has failed.
These centres wont stop the biggest problem of drug use which is the use of party drugs and first use cases. Drug centres on help the addicted, it doesn't stop the experimentation of drugs and the use of drugs to have a high cheap time and a party, club or event.
There is no way to stop the demand for drug use, the fact that people now substitute normal illegal recreational drugs for drain cleaner and fertilizer shows us that people want to get off their face somehow. The fact that there are 60-90% more adult drug users than smokers in Australia also shows that prohibition doesn't work, prohibition has NEVER worked so I'm not sure how this is a surprise. (There are 19% of Australians who say they are smokers, the stats I've seen on 16-39 year olds using drugs is around 31%, however the drug expert on the panel after Ben's documentary last night said that number is around 38%)
The major cost to society for recreational drugs is the law enforcement side. $3.8 billion dollars is spent on police, courts, prisons, etc for recreational drugs of a total cost to society of $6.9 billion, that includes health costs, early death and labour costs from missed work. Compare that to tobacco which costs society $12 billion dollars annually with $0 crime as part of that figure and $11 billion for alcohol, with $1.5 billion crime. If you take out the crime component, on a pro-rated basis, the total cost to society for tobacco is 6.3-7.9 times higher than that of recreational drugs. Remember, this includes early death, health costs, missing work, etc. This also groups ALL illegal drugs under one banner, no one in history has died from overdosing on marijuana and it is almost impossible to overdose on MDMA.
Does that make sense?
It makes sense that you believe this, most people do think this way. The problem is that its an antiquated belief and it's never going to get us anywhere. Hemp was predominantly made illegal by lobbyists for the cotton industry because they were threatened by the use of hemp in the use of textiles. Harder drugs were made illegal during a political campaign to distract from the Vietnam war. These decisions to make drugs illegal have never been based on scientific evidence. Even the laws in the US are predjudiced based on the classes. The punishment for crack cocaine, the substance used by predominantly blacks, is 99 times that of cocaine which is predominantly used by whites and the upper class. You get less time for 2nd degree murder than you do for crack cocaine. The Obama administration is looking at, or possibly even already has addressed this discrepancy. The main drug advisor in the British government got the sack when he publically said that the current drug laws had no basis of scientific fact behind them.
I haven't even touched on the international issues associated with the drug industry. 60% of the Taliban's funding comes from drug production. Afghanistan is completely corrupted from the president all the way down to the border guards because there is so much money to be made. South America's farming industry has been ruined by the US spraying poison over their crops to restrict the growth of coca plants, except it's also killed their normal crops, which the US have asked them to grow instead but no one wants to buy them.
Does this make sense? If not, trust me I have WAY more.
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Right on cue Inf :thumbsup
Now all we need is WATiger to start yelling about how we shouldn't pick up Cousins
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I will also add that one of the perfect examples that highlights how ridiculous the prosecution of drug users is, was the comments by the Victorian Police yesterday after the screening of Ben's first part of the documentary. Here we have a bloke, who lost his job, best mate and almost his life to drugs. He has had to deal with recovering from a drug addiction in the public eye, has got himself clean for 2 years, got his job back with a new employer and is telling his story about his experiences. Then the cops come out and say that if we can prove that the footage of him using drugs was in Victoria we will look at charging him.
What is the bloody point of that? Please tell me how is that going to help the drug problem in this world?
All it will do is make people who do have drug addictions less likely to seek help, because here we have someone admitting he used and the police are after him. How stuffing stupid are these idiots?!
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I still cant believe Wallace said what he said on TV. Considering that most people know what happened. David King has whacked him big time.
Todays Herald sun tells the story of what actually happened with the players forcing the clubs hand after the club had said no. Wallace is a clown, no wonder he is now employed by Hutchy at Crocmedia :banghead
is that right JAck?
Is he really now employed at croc media?
yes, when not filling in on SEN, he works for Croc media in regards to broadcasts into regional victoria.
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(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SjE88gZDTiY/SsGst9TsL3I/AAAAAAAAABA/O1HQQgswUzs/S1600-R/86g8kuc.jpg.)
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As my knowledge sees it he had to be tested 3 times a week under AFL stipulations of his re-registering to the AFL?
It was this constant drug testing that's been raised as a part of the help for Ben to stay clean and now without football he wont have the 3 times a week testing to keep him in check?
Absolutely correct Pope he has been tested 3 times a week since he came back - the days are random but the number of tests per week are the same
get over it WP
Get over what exactly?
You have an view and you believe it is right and anyone who questions or disagree with it needs to what? "get over it"
Newsfalsh for ya - we don't all have to agree with you.
I have a view based on what I have been told by people who I respect and trust not what I have read in newspapers or read on forums.
That view is different to yours and guess what I still believe what I have been told by the people that I have spoken to and for me that's all that matters.
So I don't think I need to get over anything
My view was straight from the horses mouth ;)
i didnt read it in the paper, and as you know i spent a year working with you know who at essendon.
Get over it.
if it wasnt for K. sheedy, ben wouldnt have got to punt rd,FACT
as that was the reason that sheeds was interviewed last night on the doc, you might want to re watch it again.
What Sheeds should of said that Wallace wouldnt return his calls and it wasnt until sheeds contacted board members and cameron, did the wheels start to move at Punt rd. disgrace having wallace on that show last night.
sheeds and Wallace dont talk i might add. wallace wasnt happy that Sheeds went behind his back at the time to get ben to punt rd. Thank god he did.
Cant wait to see the spat that King and Wallace will have, please read todays herald sun
move on shell we.
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I will also add that one of the perfect examples that highlights how ridiculous the prosecution of drug users is, was the comments by the Victorian Police yesterday after the screening of Ben's first part of the documentary. Here we have a bloke, who lost his job, best mate and almost his life to drugs. He has had to deal with recovering from a drug addiction in the public eye, has got himself clean for 2 years, got his job back with a new employer and is telling his story about his experiences. Then the cops come out and say that if we can prove that the footage of him using drugs was in Victoria we will look at charging him.
What is the bloody point of that? Please tell me how is that going to help the drug problem in this world?
All it will do is make people who do have drug addictions less likely to seek help, because here we have someone admitting he used and the police are after him. How stuffing stupid are these idiots?!
They should just take a drive to the back streets of st.kilda and see people wandering around in no mans land. It might resembled our zone defense for the first 8 rounds, lol
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None of this matters guys.
Some of you just sound like Old fickin moles,claiming you knew this and that.
Who gives a stuff ?!!!!
Doco is over.
Ben is the star - like it or not!
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You know what though, the RFC most/more than probably saved this guys life. That is some awesome Sh|t right there. :clapping :gotigers
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I will also add that one of the perfect examples that highlights how ridiculous the prosecution of drug users is, was the comments by the Victorian Police yesterday after the screening of Ben's first part of the documentary. Here we have a bloke, who lost his job, best mate and almost his life to drugs. He has had to deal with recovering from a drug addiction in the public eye, has got himself clean for 2 years, got his job back with a new employer and is telling his story about his experiences. Then the cops come out and say that if we can prove that the footage of him using drugs was in Victoria we will look at charging him.
What is the bloody point of that? Please tell me how is that going to help the drug problem in this world?
All it will do is make people who do have drug addictions less likely to seek help, because here we have someone admitting he used and the police are after him. How stuffing stupid are these idiots?!
It's refreshing to hear you're views on these issues. Legalising drugs certainly will reduce drug dealing but IMO it wont stop drug taking, which is the national issue. As you said it will never be stopped but it can be dramatically reduced.
If I can use smoking as an example. I don;t have facts but it's common knowledge that the % of smokers has declined consistently over time. Education anti smoking campaigns and "prohibition" are the reasons. A higher rate of non-smoking areas haven't stopped smoking but have made it less convenient. Anti Smoking campaigns have had a bigger impact.
Drug taking is the issue, the same as smoking was about 20 years ago. The anti-smoking education program you'll find has been successful over time in educating the use of cigarettes kills (Smoking Kills). If I can use your facts that more people use drugs than cigarettes ("The fact that there are 60-90% more adult drug users than smokers in Australia"). This suggests that the education anti smoking programs have been a success. As I don't have facts I think everyone can agree that this has been successful in reducing the amount of smokers in Australia.
Recreational drugs are the same as Alcohol consumption or smoking cigarettes. Alcohol and Cigarettes are legalised but we still have problems with drink driving, alcohol abuse, lung cancer etc.
So I don't think you can say legalising drugs like ecstacy, cocaine and ice (for examples) will stop youths and experimenters from taking drugs to enhance there "party" experience at a club, event or party. Drugs will still be able to be purchased at clubs for $5, cheaper than alcohol and without the weight gain and hangover in the morning.
Just like smoking the more education there is out there on drug taking with time generations will be wiser on how dangerous it is.
Maybe it's naive but I think following the smoking model is the best way to approach drug use.
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None of this matters guys.
Some of you just sound like Old fickin moles,claiming you knew this and that.
Who gives a stuff ?!!!!
Doco is over.
Ben is the star - like it or not!
Have a friend of yours nearly overdose in front of you with saliva of his dripping over your forearm, maybe then you'll think differently about drug use and the serious problem it is in today's society.
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Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
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It's an emotive issue but let's leave out the namecalling please ppl.
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Anyone seen Naked Lunch?
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Anyone seen Naked Lunch?
I read the book on a bus to Sydney :thumbsup
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My view was straight from the horses mouth ;)
i didnt read it in the paper, and as you know i spent a year working with you know who at essendon.
Get over it.
Your horse was Sheeds? Right? Fair enough you believe Sheeds and that's your right
My horse is someone else and I believe them and NO I will not name them
But don't keep telling me to "get over it" simply because I don't agree with you.
You have your view and I have mine = GET OVER IT ;D
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damn man, heavy going? The movie was enough for me, but it was pretty intense. Talking sphincta typwriters...O.o. I want to read the book, he was a decent wordsmith. Now that, my fine furry friends, is an insight into one stuffed up drug addict who 'accidentally shot his girlfriend' into the bargain. I think William Burroughs would make Cuzzy look like a casual dope smoker.
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damn man, heavy going? The movie was enough for me, but it was pretty intense. Talking sphincta typwriters...O.o. I want to read the book, he was a decent wordsmith. Now that, my fine furry friends, is an insight into one stuffed up drug addict who 'accidentally shot his girlfriend' into the bargain. I think William Burroughs would make Cuzzy look like a casual dope smoker.
There is a film about old Bill coming up at ACMI in Fed Square soon.
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Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
I re-read you post, we're having an discussion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
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Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
I re-read you post, we're having an opinion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
Thats good if the drug takers are dropping dead.
Less drug addicts around the crime rate drops & we can feel safer in our homes ;D
when is it your turn
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Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
I re-read you post, we're having an opinion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
Thats good if the drug takers are dropping dead.
Less drug addicts around the crime rate drops & we can feel safer in our homes ;D
when is it your turn
Well, I'm feeling the love ::)
Weren't you supposed to drop off your own perch, TM?
No such luck, hey! :pray
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Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
I re-read you post, we're having an opinion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
Thats good if the drug takers are dropping dead.
Less drug addicts around the crime rate drops & we can feel safer in our homes ;D
when is it your turn
we let them run around the city taking drugs smashing up people and in return they get slap on the wrist.
we have no idea in this country. cant even lay a finger on your child as society doesnt look favourably on it. what a stuffin joke
Straight to jail for anyone caught with drugs at these big rave parties or on the streets. Simple yet effetive method and soon enough you will see no dealers cause you know why no demand for it. In jail they can get councelling on how to beat the habit.
Kids rule the streets now just go down Swanston street on a Saturday night. We dont have a chance to beat drugs or crime with people Nixon and Overland in control.
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damn man, heavy going? The movie was enough for me, but it was pretty intense. Talking sphincta typwriters...O.o. I want to read the book, he was a decent wordsmith. Now that, my fine furry friends, is an insight into one stuffed up drug addict who 'accidentally shot his girlfriend' into the bargain. I think William Burroughs would make Cuzzy look like a casual dope smoker.
There is a film about old Bill coming up at ACMI in Fed Square soon.
I will check that out! nice find Ring! He was an interesting cat indeed waaaay ahead of his time.
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Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
Lol I love it when you embarrass yourself on here.
I re-read you post, we're having an opinion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
Thats good if the drug takers are dropping dead.
Less drug addicts around the crime rate drops & we can feel safer in our homes ;D
when is it your turn
-
Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
I re-read you post, we're having an opinion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
Thats good if the drug takers are dropping dead.
Less drug addicts around the crime rate drops & we can feel safer in our homes ;D
when is it your turn
we let them run around the city taking drugs smashing up people and in return they get slap on the wrist.
we have no idea in this country. cant even lay a finger on your child as society doesnt look favourably on it. what a effin joke
Straight to jail for anyone caught with drugs at these big rave parties or on the streets. Simple yet effetive method and soon enough you will see no dealers cause you know why no demand for it. In jail they can get councelling on how to beat the habit.
Kids rule the streets now just go down Swanston street on a Saturday night. We dont have a chance to beat drugs or crime with people Nixon and Overland in control.
Not kids, but young adults you're right.
I think you'll find alcohol abuse is a bigger cause of violence than drugs. Drugs certainly have high numbers though.
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I can't believe we are still having the drug debate.
Even William F Buckley supported the decriminalization of drugs (on practical, not moral grounds) 20 years ago. That says something about the people who are still fighting the drug war with laws.
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Ive carried two idiots out in pine boxes.
I hope this qualifies me to be as worldly as u are.
PM me if you want to meet for a coffee.
Try to read a post properly next time
I re-read you post, we're having an opinion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
Thats good if the drug takers are dropping dead.
Less drug addicts around the crime rate drops & we can feel safer in our homes ;D
when is it your turn
we let them run around the city taking drugs smashing up people and in return they get slap on the wrist.
we have no idea in this country. cant even lay a finger on your child as society doesnt look favourably on it. what a effin joke
Straight to jail for anyone caught with drugs at these big rave parties or on the streets. Simple yet effetive method and soon enough you will see no dealers cause you know why no demand for it. In jail they can get councelling on how to beat the habit.
Kids rule the streets now just go down Swanston street on a Saturday night. We dont have a chance to beat drugs or crime with people Nixon and Overland in control.
This is a very ill informed post! Drugs are ramapant in our jail system! The reason why our jails are so full is because of drug use! If throwing them in jail will stop the drug problem then it only stands to reason that our jails would be sparsely populated, however, they are not!
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Cuz will be on Seven News shortly to discuss his doco with with Sandy Roberts
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lots of beetles in this thread
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Cuz will be on Seven News shortly to discuss his doco with with Sandy Roberts
He couldn't see how the doco glamourised drugs given it showed how drugs pushed him to the limits, his family to their limits, and how his life went down.
A positive affect in that it's got people talking about drug addicition. Got families discussing drug addiction.
Sandy said Cuz told him he's an 80% chance of playing on Sunday.
Edit: I forgot to say Ben also said he'll have a couple of beers with the boys on Mad Monday but he won't be leading the charge. He's aware of the warning signs.
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It's refreshing to hear you're views on these issues. Legalising drugs certainly will reduce drug dealing but IMO it wont stop drug taking, which is the national issue. As you said it will never be stopped but it can be dramatically reduced.
You will never stop drug taking, I don't know how I can make this point any clearer. All prohibition has done is make smugglers billions of dollars every year. 2004-5 figures estimated that Australians spend $7 billion on drugs in one year and we are a small country of only 20 million people. The world drug trade is over $400 billion per year and an estimated 1% of the entire world GDP. This is despite the war on drugs and the billions spent in the war on drugs, Australia spend almost $4 billion, the US spends over $20 billion each year alone. This is all money that could be getting spend on health, education and infrastructure rather than stopping 1% of smuggled drugs from getting into a country and telling kids to just say no.
If I can use smoking as an example. I don;t have facts but it's common knowledge that the % of smokers has declined consistently over time. Education anti smoking campaigns and "prohibition" are the reasons. A higher rate of non-smoking areas haven't stopped smoking but have made it less convenient. Anti Smoking campaigns have had a bigger impact.
Drug taking is the issue, the same as smoking was about 20 years ago. The anti-smoking education program you'll find has been successful over time in educating the use of cigarettes kills (Smoking Kills). If I can use your facts that more people use drugs than cigarettes ("The fact that there are 60-90% more adult drug users than smokers in Australia"). This suggests that the education anti smoking programs have been a success. As I don't have facts I think everyone can agree that this has been successful in reducing the amount of smokers in Australia.
You can't use smoking as an example, it's a legal product, there is no prohibition of smoking because I can just walk down to a milk bar, servo or 7-11 and buy it. The only restrictions are on WHERE you can smoke, that is not prohibition. The fact that smoking is legal is why we can deal with it's health issues properly, because people know it's bad for you, people know it kills you and people are not ashamed to admit they smoke and want to quit. These facts are not always true with all drugs, sure some are dangerous, but some are only dangerous because they are getting made by backyard chemists with who knows what going into it.
Recreational drugs are the same as Alcohol consumption or smoking cigarettes. Alcohol and Cigarettes are legalised but we still have problems with drink driving, alcohol abuse, lung cancer etc.
So? People are taking drugs anyway, we already know the health issues, so what's your point?
So I don't think you can say legalising drugs like ecstacy, cocaine and ice (for examples) will stop youths and experimenters from taking drugs to enhance there "party" experience at a club, event or party. Drugs will still be able to be purchased at clubs for $5, cheaper than alcohol and without the weight gain and hangover in the morning.
I never said legalising drugs will stop youths from taking them, it won't, that's not the point. As I said before, you CAN'T STOP PEOPLE TAKING DRUGS. Also it won't be a pill for $5 that would just be stupid, prices should come down, but simply to world average prices and the bulk of it would be tax, just like alcohol and tobacco.
Just like smoking the more education there is out there on drug taking with time generations will be wiser on how dangerous it is.
Maybe it's naive but I think following the smoking model is the best way to approach drug use.
Yes, you are spot on, have it as a legal substance so the education can be about the risks and harm minimisation strategies rather than just the scare tactics that exist now. Your comparison to tobacco as a reason to keep drugs illegal are ridiculous, there is no comparison, but you are correct in that it should be the model on how all drugs are treated.
I re-read you post, we're having an discussion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
What is a high percentage? I'm sorry but I couldn't disagree with you more, that is just wrong.
As I've already pointed out, less people die from drugs than both tobacco and alcohol. This is even with more people using drugs than taking tobacco. Again as I've already pointed out, no one has ever died from smoking marijuana, it is almost impossible to die from MDMA use.
Most heroin overdoses are from impurities and fluctuating strength due to it being an unregulated substance. There is no coincidence that when the strength of street heroin goes up, so does the amount of overdoses.
Edit - I can only find US annual death figures but they are as follows.
Tobacco - 390,000 deaths per year
Alcohol - 80,000 deaths per year
Passive smoking - 50,000 deaths per year
Cocaine - 2,200 deaths per year
Heroin - 2,000 deaths per year
Asprin - 2,000 deaths per year
Marijuana - 0 (never been 1)
All drugs combined - 4,500 deaths per year (or under 1% of those killed by tobacco and alcohol combined)
In fact tobacco kills more people in the US each year than all the illegal drugs combined have killed in the last century
Source - National Institute on Drug Abuse + other Federal government sources
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I saw on the news that insufferable pole smoker, Eddy had to try and get his turgid head in on the act somehow and volunteered his 'role' in the Cousins saga .... wanker. 'Oh we didn't want him coz he had a bad attitude and I rang Christine Nixon because I'm so arrogant I feel that the Chief of Victorian law enforcement should collect intelligence on private citizens for the Collingwood football club despite the fact they were actually living in Western Australia.' Or words to that effect.
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we let them run around the city taking drugs smashing up people and in return they get slap on the wrist.
I hate to break it to you, but the violence in the city is fueled by alcohol, not recreational drugs. The police off record will always admit that they'd rather deal with a crowd fueled by drugs than alcohol. There was even a case many years ago of a police officer in QLD saying publically regarding the concern of violence in the big crowds at schoolies week that when they were on drugs they weren't interested in getting in a fight and they were pretty easy to control. He was forced to apologise the next day as it sent an "irresponsable message"
Straight to jail for anyone caught with drugs at these big rave parties or on the streets. Simple yet effetive method and soon enough you will see no dealers cause you know why no demand for it. In jail they can get councelling on how to beat the habit.
You say I'm out of my depth on this topic? Unbelievable!
Life imprisonment and the death penalty is working for them so well in Asia isn't it. Most of the heroin and ice in this country comes from Asia. They have just as many drug problems there than we do, so clearly that method doesn't work. It is estimated that 1/3rd of all ampetamine type stimulants are manufactured in asia and there are almost 4 million drug injecting users in eastern Europe and Asia which makes up a quarter of all of those in the world. Not to mention the HIV epidemic that is going along with it.
Decriminalisation of drugs sends users to drug treatment programs INSTEAD of jail. There is no proper treatment in jail, just a good way to meet more drug users and dealers... and hardened criminals who are put away for real crimes like killing people. There is a constant cycle of people who go to jail simply getting released and going straight back to their old habits, because they didn't get proper treatment and now they have a criminal record so have more trouble getting a job. Great method of treatment that one.
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Eddie McGuire reveals call to Christine Nixon about Ben Cousins
* Michelle Ainsworth, Nathan Mawby
* From: Herald Sun
* August 27, 2010 UPDATE 4.16pm:
EDDIE McGuire has defended Collingwood's decision not to recruit Ben Cousins in late 2008, saying the player's attitude at the time was "absolutely appalling".
His blast comes as Ben Cousins is finally expected to speak to Channel 7 tonight about a documentary screened on the network this week which has charted his brazen drug-taking.
The furore around the documentary has so far delivered Channel 7 top ratings, and the attention is also expected to help draw a large crowd to Cousins' final match for Richmond against Port Power this Sunday.
McGuire revealed today that while he did speak to then-Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon at the time, he didn't receive specific advice from her about hiring Cousins.
Speaking on his Triple M Hot Breakfast radio show this morning, McGuire said he rang Ms Nixon to find out what Victoria Police's feelings were on the issue.
"I can now reveal - because the documentary’s out - that at no stage did Christine Nixon as the Police Commissioner of Victoria advise me one way or the other or divulge any information in regards to the activities of Ben Cousins,” McGuire said.
"I wanted to speak to somebody who I could rely on to give me an unbiased picture of what happens in this situation. She was very, very careful.”
McGuire denied hiring a private investigator to gather information on Cousins.
"What we wanted was an independent person to help collect and put together all the information," he said.
McGuire said Cousins was asking for a lot of money and that the intense media attention on Cousins and his hamstring - which he went on to tear in his first game with Richmond - were factors in Collingwood’s decision not to hire him.
"At no stage did Ben actually ring me to say 'look I really want to come to this club'," McGuire said.
"At that stage it was we’re all auditioning for Ben and his attitude was absolutely appalling. It was not about us at all, it was about us being a vehicle for Ben."
McGuire said they decided the negatives outweighed the positives.
"Put it this way, the West Coast Eagles couldn’t get Ben out quick enough in the end. Why would we want to drag him in?" McGuire said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ben-cousins-father-bryan-feared-his-sons-life-would-be-lost-to-drugs/story-e6frf9jf-1225910633779
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Also daniel, considering I've taken you to school on this topic and proved you completely wrong with plenty of evidence, let me enlighten you on a method that is proven to work. I asked you explain how Portugal's rate of drug use dropped after they decriminalised recreational drugs and you conveniently ignored the question, so let me show you how wrong you are.
In 2000 Portugal had some of the highest rates of hard drug use in Europe
In 2001 Portugal decriminalised the manufacture and possession of recreational drugs for personal use
Since this change was made
- Drug use by teenagers has reduced
- Street overdoses have dropped almost 30% from 400 per year to 290
- HIV infections from injectable drugs dropped from 1400 per year to 400
- Deaths from heroin and similar drugs has dropped by more than half.
- The lowest lifetime use of marijuana by people over 15 years old in the entire EU at 10% (in comparison this figure in the US is almost 40%)
- Proportionally, more people in the US have used cocaine than those in Portugal have used marijuana
- Rates of lifetime use of any illegal drug among seventh through ninth graders fell from 14.1% to 10.6%
- Lifetime heroin use among 16-to-18-year-olds fell from 2.5% to 1.8%
- Portugal did NOT become a destination for drug tourists as believed by the conservatives and critics, this is despite a more lenient drug policy than Holland
- Rates of drug use in all other EU countries went UP!!
Regarding treatment, the number of people in Portual on methadone and buprenorphine treatment for drug addiction rose to 14,877 from 6,040 and money saved on enforcement allowed for increased funding of drug-free treatment as well.
In comparison, the US which has a zero tolerance attitude to drugs
- Has the highest rate of use of cocaine & marijuana in the entire world
- Has only 5% of the global population, but 25% of the global prisoners
Out of my depth am I?
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AFL says re-registering Cousins was key to his recovery from addiction
* Kate Salemme
* From: Herald Sun
* August 27, 2010 4:21PM
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou this morning defended the league's decision to re-register Ben Cousins in 2008, despite revelations last night that he was still taking illicit substances.
Demetriou said the AFL had been handed "very strong advice" that Cousins needed to play football again to have any chance of recovery.
“When we had the hearing, we had substantial information before us, from medical experts, from his counsellors, from the urine samplers,” Demetriou said.
“We were advised about the fact that he had gone to the test shaved down and we had to weigh up all those things on balance, and when we handed down our finding to actually re-register him as a player we had very stringent conditions attached to it, which we took into account.”
Post-season celebrations: Cousins family's Mad Monday fears
He dismissed claims that by shaving his head, Cousins had breached the AFL’s drug rules.
“He actually wasn’t a player at the time, he was de-registered but we wanted to take all of this into account when we sat down for the commission hearing,” he said.
“We weren’t pleased about it and we made that very, very clear but we also had very strong advice that in order for Ben to actually aid his recovery and his rehabilitation it was now very important for him to play football again.”
Demetriou said that re-registering Cousins was paramount to his ability to recover from his addiction.
“We had this advice that said it was very important for him to get back into football as part of his rehabilitation and recovery that we then also insisted that he submit himself for three tests a week,” he said.
“We also had some significant medical advice before us that said that addicts were prone to relapse and that addicts were going to go through phases as part of their recovery.”
“You’re not going to get an addict that’s going to stay clean for 12 months, they are prone to relapse and that may be part of their recovery,” he said.
The AFL boss applauded Cousins’ ability to turn himself around.
“He’s been in the game for two years, he’s been tested three to four times a week and he’s been very, very good," he said.
"Again, on balance with all the information we had before us, it was the correct decision."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-says-re-registering-cousins-was-key-to-his-recovery-from-addiction/story-e6frf9jf-1225910891146
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My Mad Monday wild days are over: Ben Cousins
* Julie Tullberg
* From: Herald Sun
* August 27, 2010 6:56PM
BEN Cousins says the days of him "leading the pack" on Mad Monday are over, as the Richmond star prepares for his farewell game against Port Adelaide on Sunday.
Speaking after his controversial documentary, aired on Channel 7 last night, Cousins said he would restrict his Mad Monday celebrations to just a couple of beers with the boys.
“Some of my best work was done on Mad Mondays,” Cousins joked with Channel 7 reporter Sandy Roberts.
“Yeah, it's a shame. (Mad Monday) it’s a thing of the past for me.
“I'm sure I'll sneak in the opportunity to have a couple of beers in the boys but the days are gone of me leading the pack.”
Cousins, who revealed his painful fight with drug addiction in the doco, Such Is Life - The Ben Cousins story, said the shame and regret of his drug addiction was something he would have to learn to live with.
“It's a cross I have to bear and that’s I guess that's a big part of overcoming addiction, learning to cope with the shame and regret,” Cousins said.
In the graphic doco, which showed the Brownlow medallist twitching and staring blankly after the effects of drugs, Cousins’s father, Bryan, spoke of a time when Cousins said he wanted to die.
But Cousins denied he ever felt like taking his life.
“I'm not a person with suicidal tendencies,” Cousins told Channel 7.
“I do remember the incident that me and my old man had and it was a moment of despair and I think I used the term out of frustration.
“It's unfortunate but I'm a pretty buoyant person by nature but that's not to say I've been in some pretty dark places and yeah, it's been tough.”
Cousins said he was in the best shape, in terms of inner peace, that he had been for a long time.
“Yeah, it (inner peace) has been something I've grappled with in the past,” he said.
“It's obviously not a destination but like you say I think I'm heading towards it and I'd say that I'm probably in a good place as I've been for a long time.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/my-mad-monday-wild-days-are-over-ben-cousins/story-e6frf9jf-1225911051655
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It's refreshing to hear you're views on these issues. Legalising drugs certainly will reduce drug dealing but IMO it wont stop drug taking, which is the national issue. As you said it will never be stopped but it can be dramatically reduced.
You will never stop drug taking, I don't know how I can make this point any clearer. All prohibition has done is make smugglers billions of dollars every year. 2004-5 figures estimated that Australians spend $7 billion on drugs in one year and we are a small country of only 20 million people. The world drug trade is over $400 billion per year and an estimated 1% of the entire world GDP. This is despite the war on drugs and the billions spent in the war on drugs, Australia spend almost $4 billion, the US spends over $20 billion each year alone. This is all money that could be getting spend on health, education and infrastructure rather than stopping 1% of smuggled drugs from getting into a country and telling kids to just say no.
If I can use smoking as an example. I don;t have facts but it's common knowledge that the % of smokers has declined consistently over time. Education anti smoking campaigns and "prohibition" are the reasons. A higher rate of non-smoking areas haven't stopped smoking but have made it less convenient. Anti Smoking campaigns have had a bigger impact.
Drug taking is the issue, the same as smoking was about 20 years ago. The anti-smoking education program you'll find has been successful over time in educating the use of cigarettes kills (Smoking Kills). If I can use your facts that more people use drugs than cigarettes ("The fact that there are 60-90% more adult drug users than smokers in Australia"). This suggests that the education anti smoking programs have been a success. As I don't have facts I think everyone can agree that this has been successful in reducing the amount of smokers in Australia.
You can't use smoking as an example, it's a legal product, there is no prohibition of smoking because I can just walk down to a milk bar, servo or 7-11 and buy it. The only restrictions are on WHERE you can smoke, that is not prohibition. The fact that smoking is legal is why we can deal with it's health issues properly, because people know it's bad for you, people know it kills you and people are not ashamed to admit they smoke and want to quit. These facts are not always true with all drugs, sure some are dangerous, but some are only dangerous because they are getting made by backyard chemists with who knows what going into it.
Recreational drugs are the same as Alcohol consumption or smoking cigarettes. Alcohol and Cigarettes are legalised but we still have problems with drink driving, alcohol abuse, lung cancer etc.
So? People are taking drugs anyway, we already know the health issues, so what's your point?
So I don't think you can say legalising drugs like ecstacy, cocaine and ice (for examples) will stop youths and experimenters from taking drugs to enhance there "party" experience at a club, event or party. Drugs will still be able to be purchased at clubs for $5, cheaper than alcohol and without the weight gain and hangover in the morning.
I never said legalising drugs will stop youths from taking them, it won't, that's not the point. As I said before, you CAN'T STOP PEOPLE TAKING DRUGS. Also it won't be a pill for $5 that would just be stupid, prices should come down, but simply to world average prices and the bulk of it would be tax, just like alcohol and tobacco.
Just like smoking the more education there is out there on drug taking with time generations will be wiser on how dangerous it is.
Maybe it's naive but I think following the smoking model is the best way to approach drug use.
Yes, you are spot on, have it as a legal substance so the education can be about the risks and harm minimisation strategies rather than just the scare tactics that exist now. Your comparison to tobacco as a reason to keep drugs illegal are ridiculous, there is no comparison, but you are correct in that it should be the model on how all drugs are treated.
I re-read you post, we're having an discussion on ways to stop drug addiction and abuse. "None of it matters" well it does matter when a high percentage of people are dieing from drug abuse.
What is a high percentage? I'm sorry but I couldn't disagree with you more, that is just wrong.
As I've already pointed out, less people die from drugs than both tobacco and alcohol. This is even with more people using drugs than taking tobacco. Again as I've already pointed out, no one has ever died from smoking marijuana, it is almost impossible to die from MDMA use.
Most heroin overdoses are from impurities and fluctuating strength due to it being an unregulated substance. There is no coincidence that when the strength of street heroin goes up, so does the amount of overdoses.
Edit - I can only find US annual death figures but they are as follows.
Tobacco - 390,000 deaths per year
Alcohol - 80,000 deaths per year
Passive smoking - 50,000 deaths per year
Cocaine - 2,200 deaths per year
Heroin - 2,000 deaths per year
Asprin - 2,000 deaths per year
Marijuana - 0 (never been 1)
All drugs combined - 4,500 deaths per year (or under 1% of those killed by tobacco and alcohol combined)
In fact tobacco kills more people in the US each year than all the illegal drugs combined have killed in the last century
Source - National Institute on Drug Abuse + other Federal government sources
You've missed my point, maybe my post was poorly worded. I don't think I ever claimed that drugs can be eradicated from society by any means. My point is, regardless if recreation drugs are legal or not, drug intake and use will forever be abused. As is alcohol consumption and smoking. We all think we have a notehr beer in us, drug users think the same way, "Yeah I could go 1 more hit I'm not as high as I wanna be"..
Drugs, if legalised will still cause the same problems as high consumption can and will be taken, just the same way smoking and alcohol, you can't disagree with that. Legalising ecstasy will only change the supplier of the problem, the problem is the intake of drugs. It's not as simple as alcohol where if you drink to much you have a hang over, you take 1 too many pills or lines you're dead. This isn't a lesson you can't learn and try again.
As for my "high percentage" reference it wasn't in comparison with other drugs or substances. In no way was I suggesting more people die via drugs than smoking. To be more clearer: A high percentage of drug takers experience an eventual overdose of some kind, compared to those who take drugs somehow responsibly and never overdose.
You're correct that overdoses occur from poorly created drugs. Legalising will reduce overdoses from cheap drugs filled with glass or washing powder etc, as dealers/producers wont have the market to create for big profits. This wont stop dealers from home brewing though. It will just reduce the profit by a margin, a percentage of dealing will reduce dramatically. You could also ask producers may make even high percentage of fake drugs with 90% washing poweder and 10% drug instead of 50-50.
Legalising wont stop the problem, legal substances in tobacco and alcohol have enormous death numbers, they are legal substances as they are easily accessible and easily abused. Kids as young as 10 years old can get a cheap pair of cigarettes and have a fag behind teh school shed. Gd forbid some year 7 or 8 kid gets his hands on a packet of cocaine tablets stolen from a local chemist.
To conclude legalising recreational drugs doesn't solve drug abuse, it can solve dealing and cheap creation issues.
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yeah cause one more drink has never killed anyone ;)
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Also daniel, considering I've taken you to school on this topic and proved you completely wrong with plenty of evidence, let me enlighten you on a method that is proven to work. I asked you explain how Portugal's rate of drug use dropped after they decriminalised recreational drugs and you conveniently ignored the question, so let me show you how wrong you are.
In 2000 Portugal had some of the highest rates of hard drug use in Europe
In 2001 Portugal decriminalised the manufacture and possession of recreational drugs for personal use
Since this change was made
- Drug use by teenagers has reduced
- Street overdoses have dropped almost 30% from 400 per year to 290
- HIV infections from injectable drugs dropped from 1400 per year to 400
- Deaths from heroin and similar drugs has dropped by more than half.
- The lowest lifetime use of marijuana by people over 15 years old in the entire EU at 10% (in comparison this figure in the US is almost 40%)
- Proportionally, more people in the US have used cocaine than those in Portugal have used marijuana
- Rates of lifetime use of any illegal drug among seventh through ninth graders fell from 14.1% to 10.6%
- Lifetime heroin use among 16-to-18-year-olds fell from 2.5% to 1.8%
- Portugal did NOT become a destination for drug tourists as believed by the conservatives and critics, this is despite a more lenient drug policy than Holland
- Rates of drug use in all other EU countries went UP!!
Regarding treatment, the number of people in Portual on methadone and buprenorphine treatment for drug addiction rose to 14,877 from 6,040 and money saved on enforcement allowed for increased funding of drug-free treatment as well.
In comparison, the US which has a zero tolerance attitude to drugs
- Has the highest rate of use of cocaine & marijuana in the entire world
- Has only 5% of the global population, but 25% of the global prisoners
Out of my depth am I?
Its hard to argue against those figures, it certainly has its positives, however it doesn't address the issue of substance abuse.
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You've missed my point, maybe my post was poorly worded. I don't think I ever claimed that drugs can be eradicated from society by any means. My point is, regardless if recreation drugs are legal or not, drug intake and use will forever be abused. As is alcohol consumption and smoking. We all think we have a notehr beer in us, drug users think the same way, "Yeah I could go 1 more hit I'm not as high as I wanna be"..
Drugs, if legalised will still cause the same problems as high consumption can and will be taken, just the same way smoking and alcohol, you can't disagree with that. Legalising ecstasy will only change the supplier of the problem, the problem is the intake of drugs. It's not as simple as alcohol where if you drink to much you have a hang over, you take 1 too many pills or lines you're dead. This isn't a lesson you can't learn and try again.
Ummm I hate to break it to you, but this is happening already. The fact they are illegal doesn't stop people doing what you say here, it's called an overdose. Saying you take 1 to many pills and you're dead is absolute garbage though, I've already told you its almost impossible to overdose on MDMA and drug experts will agree as on a harm/addiction scale of 1-100, alcohol is 80 and MDMA is 20. Cocaine is similar, it has a higher harm/addiction level similar to alcohol, you need to put about 3g of 100% pure cocaine up your nose before you OD, your nose will close up before that happens. It's the cheap alternatives like GHB which are easy to overdose on, a substance people have turned to due to the price and low quality of regular illegal party drugs. GHB is the substance that makes up 90-100% of the overdoses at the big dance parties you hear about in the news.
What happened when they made GHB illegal in the UK? People started taking GBL instead, sold as alloy wheel cleaner on the internet at 30 quid for 125ml, this stuff metabolises into GHB in your body, but it is far more potent and at far greater risk of overdosing than GHB. This is the same reason that Mephedrone came to market and kids at raves are eating plant fertilizer advertised as Speed Rush. Drug experts lobbied against the banning of GBL because they knew all it would do is get drug users taking something else that was even more dangerous, they still banned it though.
As for my "high percentage" reference it wasn't in comparison with other drugs or substances. In no way was I suggesting more people die via drugs than smoking. To be more clearer: A high percentage of drug takers experience an eventual overdose of some kind, compared to those who take drugs somehow responsibly and never overdose.
That is just completely wrong, there is no basis for that comment at all. The vast majority of drug users, let's say 99%, NEVER overdose. That's why the current education system doesn't work. Kids know the scare tactics are bullsh!t because they see their mates go out each weekend, drop a few pills, rack a few lines and generally have a great night. This is the whole point of harm minimisation, we know kids are going to try it if they want to, it's often easier for kids to get drugs than alcohol, so let's teach them the dangers of each drug so that if they choose to try it, they know how to avoid putting themself in hospital.
You're correct that overdoses occur from poorly created drugs. Legalising will reduce overdoses from cheap drugs filled with glass or washing powder etc, as dealers/producers wont have the market to create for big profits. This wont stop dealers from home brewing though. It will just reduce the profit by a margin, a percentage of dealing will reduce dramatically. You could also ask producers may make even high percentage of fake drugs with 90% washing poweder and 10% drug instead of 50-50.
Only if the prices remain at black market levels. If it's legally available for a better price at a known quality you will kill the black market. What's the point of trying to import drugs outside the system if the buyers can get better from legal sources? Why take the risk? I don't see black market cigarettes and alcohol making a big impact in the market.
Legalising wont stop the problem
Of course it won't, you can't stop the problem. Don't you get it? The current system is worse though as people get crap drugs made in back yards and then hide their habit as its illegal and don't seek assistance. I don't know how I can spell this out any clearer, do you need me to paint you a picture? At the moment if you have a group of kids taking drugs and someone gets into trouble, they will often be too scared to get medical help because what they are doing is illegal. Medicos don't give a crap, they just want to know what you've taken so they know how to treat you, but because people are scared of legal repercussions they will try and get their friend to just sleep it off or will dump them at the hospital and run. This is the environment we've created for drug users and people are dying because of it.
legal substances in tobacco and alcohol have enormous death numbers, they are legal substances as they are easily accessible and easily abused. Kids as young as 10 years old can get a cheap pair of cigarettes and have a limp behind teh school shed. Gd forbid some year 7 or 8 kid gets his hands on a packet of cocaine tablets stolen from a local chemist.
Hate to break it to you, but they already do get their hands on drugs. It's often easier for kids to get drugs than alcohol. Look at the figures I showed from Portugal, 10-14% of SEVENTH TO NINTH GRADERS are on drugs. Don't be naive to think that it's any different in Australia.
To conclude legalising recreational drugs doesn't solve drug abuse, it can solve dealing and cheap creation issues.
It doesn't solve it, but I don't see the current system working and I don't see you providing any alternatives.
Its hard to argue against those figures, it certainly has its positives, however it doesn't address the issue of substance abuse.
YES IT DOES!!! It gets people who take drugs and puts them in treatment programs to try and get them to stop. That is called dealing with the issue of substance abuse.
It's no magic wand to stop all drug taking, but if you think that exists then you must live in some other parallel dimesion that I don't know about. If you have any solutions you think will work then I'm all ears and so is the rest of the world as no one else knows how to do it.
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AFL offers Cousins drug tests
Jon Pierik
August 28, 2010
THE AFL has offered to help Ben Cousins by drug testing him in retirement although the man himself last night revealed he had almost discovered inner peace.
As debate over Cousins' documentary Such is Life raged yesterday, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou revealed he had approached the AFL Players Association and Richmond asking how the league could help Cousins adjust to life without the structure and safety net that football has provided.
''We have spoken to the players association. We have had a chat with [Tigers chief executive] Brendon Gale, and am looking forward to having a chat with Ben,'' Demetriou said.
''If there is any way the AFL can help Ben to continue his recovery, we would.''
Cousins, who has admitted he will be a drug addict for life, is tested up to four times a week as part of the terms which allowed him to return to football last year.
But those conditions could end as early as tomorrow when, provided his dodgy hamstring negotiates training at Punt Road this morning, he will retire after the clash against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
''The policy isn't just about when you are playing football. If you are someone who has an addiction or has had an illicit drug problem, we think it's incumbent on us as a code to make sure that if you leave the system we continue to offer support,'' Demetriou said.
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-offers-cousins-drug-tests-20100827-13w0o.html
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Caro wrote an article today in the Age on the Eagles and the damage done (ie. with their culture) relating to Cousins.
In it she still pushing 6 months later that Cousins was warned by Richmond about heavy drinking even though she's the only one who is saying it ::).
"The AFL is determined that the Ben Cousins story will paint the league in a good light after so tarnishing its image in those dark days of 2007. When The Age correctly reported in February that Richmond had warned Cousins about his sometimes heavy drinking the Tigers, having confirmed the story, promptly issued a denial - one they later explained to me was in part to placate the AFL."
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/the-eagles-and-the-damage-done-20100827-13w0q.html
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Ben Cousins documentary critics expose their ignorance
* Mike Sheahan
* Herald Sun
* August 27, 2010 11:07PM
WHAT an amazing coincidence.
Why is that so many of the people who have applauded Ben Cousins and his father Bryan in the past couple of days all seem to have had first-hand experience of drug addiction?
Extraordinary, really.
It's confusing. The "experts", those wise old heads with microphones and newspaper columns at their disposal on a daily basis, say it's all a nonsense. It's a spoiled brat showing off.
Surely THEY know, because they know EVERYTHING.
Yet people caught up in the drug spiral, those working with and on behalf of those caught up in the drug spiral, keep telling me the Cousins - father and son - are their new heroes, their inspiration.
That's not to suggest for one minute Ben is cured. Simply, he is battling a terrible addiction, and apparently going OK.
I just can't work this one out. He simply offered his story. I didn't see any wild promises. What I do know is that an ongoing problem of any sort is much more likely to be solved by discussion.
Which is why it is so disappointing to hear people who should know better slamming the documentary.
OK, let's not worry about the message. Let's bake him for being "smug", for being a narcissist, for daring to thumb his nose at the system.
That's it. Let's have a public humiliation in Fed Square. That will make us all feel better that naughty Ben will do his penance. Can't have handsome boys from middle-class families who refuse to cry doing drugs, can we.
Let's not worry about the problem. Or the cure.
If awareness of drug addiction, and how it is best handled and treated, hasn't been heightened by the Cousins documentary, then the MCG is in Sydney.
Here's the issue. Those who know the subject best, either personally or professionally, all share the same view - good on Ben, good on his family for laying itself open for two million people to see.
As for glamourising the use of illicit drugs, spare me. If you are of that view, did you see Cousins twitching uncontrollably under the influence of illicit substances?
Did you see him shamed and humiliated in public in Perth?
Do you remember him as the most famous name in West Australian sport being stripped of the captaincy of his football club, then sacked, then deregistered by the AFL?
Did you see him helping carry the coffin of his friend and fellow drug victim, Chris Mainwaring?
Did you listen to the 911 call in the US, when he had to be rushed to hospital by ambulance? Did you see him almost break the spirit of his parents, Stephanie and Bryan, and sister, Melanie?
Glamour, eh?
An old colleague of mine messaged me yesterday with a passionate explanation of how his high-achieving 23-year-old son fell victim to drugs. In Perth. Here's how he finished his letter.
"I know that seeing the Ben Cousins story will help. Seeing Bryan Cousins talk about it has helped me. For whatever part you played in getting this to air (nil), thank you."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ben-cousins-documentary-critics-expose-their-ignorance/story-e6frf9ox-1225911106501
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I haven't watched the doco due to being away but have been interested in peoples opinions - the father (and family) and their incredible support along with Cuz's apparent lack of remorse.
Having a loving family who will do anything to support a son/sibling - nothing wrong with that. Would've thought was a major +ve
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After watching the docu i kinda of admire cuzz.To me he came across as a guy who is very driven in life and yes that has positives and negatives as we have seen,but on several occasions he mentioned the importance of family and to me this shows someone who at the very least cares about those close to him,and thats an admirable quality .
Plus i have always loved the way he played his football....at 100mph
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And now the gloves are off.................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwyMLdroaUc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwyMLdroaUc)
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And now the gloves are off.................
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwyMLdroaUc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwyMLdroaUc)
Really, does it matter who got him to Richmond? I'm sure everyone played their part and am amused that people are putting their hands up trying to say I got him lol. Sheedy played a part, the president, coach, the players and even the AFL all played their part. At the end of the day, WGAF?
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Gloves are off.
Kingy and Wallet never saw eye on eye anyway.
the players were told that Ben wasnt coming.
Dont know why Wallaces lies, Oh yes I do, :lol :lol :lol
Kingy is 100% correct with his comments.
Even mensions sheeds
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Gloves are off.
Kingy and Wallet never saw eye on eye anyway.
the players were told that Ben wasnt coming.
Dont know why Wallaces lies, Oh yes I do, :lol :lol :lol
Kingy is 100% correct with his comments.
Even mensions sheeds
It's just pathetic, Jack, who cares? The supporters got it over the line I reckon, not one individual
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http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/sevens-weak-tackle-on-cousins-20100827-13vx3.html?rand=1282916936661
I encourage you all to send this sea hag a quick hello
devinemiranda@hotmail.com
I've signed her up to some hardcore lesbian granny websites
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http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/sevens-weak-tackle-on-cousins-20100827-13vx3.html?rand=1282916936661
I encourage you all to send this sea hag a quick hello
devinemiranda@hotmail.com
I've signed her up to some hardcore lesbian granny websites
What a %^&%.
The saddest part is she got paid to write that slop.
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Ben's biggest problem in convincing people is he is too good looking and admired by women and men for it that they think he should pay the price because he is.
He is charismatic, deal with it
That woman has probably done more harm than the documentary would have in not encouraging it
She's very petty, like a lot of people
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http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/sevens-weak-tackle-on-cousins-20100827-13vx3.html?rand=1282916936661
I encourage you all to send this sea hag a quick hello
devinemiranda@hotmail.com
I've signed her up to some hardcore lesbian granny websites
What a %^&%.
The saddest part is she got paid to write that slop.
I emailed her :-)
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same. I asked her why she was so hung up on the fact he was good looking and if that was the real source of her bitter tirade.
She seems to have missed the point that the Cousins doco was pointing out that he was a selfish arrogant bugger and that was part of if it. He was too busy having a good time to give a poo get it ? Silly cow.
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Ben's biggest problem in convincing people is he is too good looking and admired by women and men for it that they think he should pay the price because he is.
He is charismatic, deal with it
That woman has probably done more harm than the documentary would have in not encouraging it
She's very petty, like a lot of people
Allways wondered what type I would go for if I was a homo - Cuz wins. :shh
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you sound like stuffwits.
WGAF.
Get stuffin lives.
Morons.
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What's Dermie on saying he doesn't need a lap of honour?
:banghead
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What's Dermie on saying he doesn't need a lap of honour?
:banghead
He doesn't.
Cousins is a West Coast Eagles champion. Not a Richmond one.
I found the doco remotely interesting.
Cousins struck me as a pretty self interested individual who happened to take drugs.
I felt for his Dad and his family. That's about it.
He's extremely lucky some at Richmond decided he had enough talent to give him another shot.
Sooner this circus is over the better. :P
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What's Dermie on saying he doesn't need a lap of honour?
:banghead
He doesn't.
Cousins is a West Coast Eagles champion. Not a Richmond one.
I found the doco remotely interesting.
Cousins struck me as a pretty self interested individual who happened to take drugs.
I felt for his Dad and his family. That's about it.
He's extremely lucky some at Richmond decided he had enough talent to give him another shot.
Sooner this circus is over the better. :P
Well that's your opinion and I disagree
He's been fantastic for Richmond, the Eagles, the competition, deserves it as much as anyone who gets one
And the fans want it - well most ::)
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http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/sevens-weak-tackle-on-cousins-20100827-13vx3.html?rand=1282916936661
I encourage you all to send this sea hag a quick hello
devinemiranda@hotmail.com
I've signed her up to some hardcore lesbian granny websites
Miranda Devine is an utter moron. Proof that conservatism has lost its intellectual depth and has become simply a state of mind. Joyless folk who see life through Hobbes eyes - "the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short"... She's not worth wasting your time on.
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He's been fantastic for Richmond, the Eagles, the competition, deserves it as much as anyone who gets one
And the fans want it - well most ::)
Yep. I could are less.
IMO he hasn't been a good enough player in his short time at Richmond to give him a 'lap of honour'. :rollin
In time Cousins will be a blip in Richmond's history.
I'd rather the energy be focussed on Jack winning the Coleman.
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What's Dermie on saying he doesn't need a lap of honour?
:banghead
He doesn't.
Cousins is a West Coast Eagles champion. Not a Richmond one.
I found the doco remotely interesting.
Cousins struck me as a pretty self interested individual who happened to take drugs.
I felt for his Dad and his family. That's about it.
He's extremely lucky some at Richmond decided he had enough talent to give him another shot.
Sooner this circus is over the better. :P
Interesting.
Was a bonus for the club in regards to memberships, merchandising and the development of the younger players
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Interesting.
Was a bonus for the club in regards to memberships, merchandising
Everyone loves the circus jackie.
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we sit on the fence at etihad, I go with my 8yo daughter each week.
She has spent most of the day making a Ben Cousins banner.
Get a life you imbeciles.
Ben has been terrifc for the RFC, as the RFC has been for Ben
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Interesting.
Was a bonus for the club in regards to memberships, merchandising
Everyone loves the circus jackie.
Biggest circus is the imbeciles who post on this website, now theres a circus :birthday
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He's been fantastic for Richmond, the Eagles, the competition, deserves it as much as anyone who gets one
And the fans want it - well most ::)
Yep. I could are less.
IMO he hasn't been a good enough player in his short time at Richmond to give him a 'lap of honour'. :rollin
In time Cousins will be a blip in Richmond's history.
I'd rather the energy be focussed on Jack winning the Coleman.
A lap of honour will not take away any focus from Jack's Coleman
If you don't like it, don't watch him, but don't take away from the supporters who support the club and players!
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Biggest circus is the imbeciles who post on this website, now theres a circus :birthday
How's Andrew Raines and the Lions going?
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A lap of honour will not take away any focus from Jack's Coleman
If you don't like it, don't watch him, but don't take away from the supporters who support the club and players!
I support the club and the players. I just think a lap for Ben is way OTT.
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Biggest circus is the imbeciles who post on this website, now theres a circus :birthday
How's Andrew Raines and the Lions going?
been injured since round 8, and has struggled to manage the injury
having surgery next week.
Next question
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been injured since round 8, and has struggled to manage the injury
having surgery next week.
Next question
:lol
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Great for the Club to honor the Cuz with a lap.
Keep in mind this is the club that gave kent kingsley a contract and gave Jordy a 3 year one.
NOTHING WRONG IN GIVING THE CUZ A LAP OF HONOUR, get over it
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A lap of honour will not take away any focus from Jack's Coleman
If you don't like it, don't watch him, but don't take away from the supporters who support the club and players!
I support the club and the players. I just think a lap for Ben is way OTT.
Then don't watch it ::)
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Great for the Club to honor the Cuz with a lap.
It's sure makes sense financially. After all everyone loves a circus.
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Great for the Club to honor the Cuz with a lap.
It's sure makes sense financially. After all everyone loves a circus.
You sound like you need a night out with Ben. Maybe you need 2 blondes picking you up at the airport and having their way with you for 5 days. It seems your dislike of Ben features the colour green.
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What's Dermie on saying he doesn't need a lap of honour?
:banghead
He doesn't.
Cousins is a West Coast Eagles champion. Not a Richmond one.
I found the doco remotely interesting.
Cousins struck me as a pretty self interested individual who happened to take drugs.
I felt for his Dad and his family. That's about it.
He's extremely lucky some at Richmond decided he had enough talent to give him another shot.
Sooner this circus is over the better. :P
Hmm see this is the problem with society. MM if I can use you as an example.
Society believe drug addiction isn't a proper addiction. For what ever reason I don't know. If you can't quit smoking your not frowned upon and shot down in society for it.
To say Cousins doesn't deserve a lap of honour is embarrassing. The guy is an AFL champion and deserves a send off.
Should Doug Hawkins be clapped off after he retired after finishing his 350 AFL game career at Fitzroy after only 1 year there?
Regardless of how many chips society and the AFL world has about Ben he's been a champion player and deserves a respectful send off.
Mind boggiling that I've read on this forum that Troy Simmonds deserved to halt our development and get a charity farewell game at the expense of Graham Polak who made way and never got back into the side. Yet Ben Cousins and AFL champion doesn't deserve a last 5min lap of honour...
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He's been fantastic for Richmond, the Eagles, the competition, deserves it as much as anyone who gets one
And the fans want it - well most ::)
Yep. I could are less.
IMO he hasn't been a good enough player in his short time at Richmond to give him a 'lap of honour'. :rollin
In time Cousins will be a blip in Richmond's history.
I'd rather the energy be focussed on Jack winning the Coleman.
Naive comments Cousins worth wasn't his performance on field.
He bought in enormous financial gain for the club
Helped with the development of the youngsters and leadership group
Cousins did more for our club than Troy Simmonds ever did.
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we sit on the fence at etihad, I go with my 8yo daughter each week.
She has spent most of the day making a Ben Cousins banner.
Get a life you imbeciles.
Ben has been terrifc for the RFC, as the RFC has been for Ben
Here Here Jack.
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we sit on the fence at etihad, I go with my 8yo daughter each week.
She has spent most of the day making a Ben Cousins banner.
Get a life you imbeciles.
Ben has been terrifc for the RFC, as the RFC has been for Ben
I agree 100%
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Hmm see this is the problem with society. MM if I can use you as an example.
You can do whatever you want Pope. Nowhere have I said Ben's wasn't a proper addiction.
He did make his own choices in life though. Not everyone becomes addicted to hard drugs.
Naive comments Cousins worth wasn't his performance on field.
32 games of footy for a 'lap of honour'?
Geez they're cheap these days.
Hype aside, I am sure many get confused as to what he's actually delivered at Richmond which hasn't been all that much.
If Ben is to get a lap celebrating his once glittering career, where the overwhelming number of his achievements were at WC, it should be on GF day with the other retirees.
Then we can move on.
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Hmm see this is the problem with society. MM if I can use you as an example.
You can do whatever you want Pope. Nowhere have I said Ben's wasn't a proper addiction.
He did make his own choices in life though. Not everyone becomes addicted to hard drugs.
Naive comments Cousins worth wasn't his performance on field.
32 games of footy for a 'lap of honour'?
Geez they're cheap these days.
Hype aside, I am sure many get confused as to what he's actually delivered at Richmond which hasn't been all that much.
If Ben is to get a lap celebrating his once glittering career, where the overwhelming number of his achievements were at WC, it should be on GF day with the other retirees.
Then we can move on.
Who cares? It's only a lap!
I am certain the fans of both teams would love to see a lap today! Its a bit of history really. " I was there for Ben Cousins' last game"
Its not how many games he has played for the club alone that counts as a contribution! I believe this doco will create new members for us too in the future!
No matter what anyone says, and we should never think that Cuz suffered less than others, everyone's experience of addiction is unique and handled in different ways! I believe that Cuz's life is a great human story and should inspire thousands of people experiencing hardship of any dimension to keep battling!
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Who cares? It's only a lap!
There's that I guess.
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we sit on the fence at etihad, I go with my 8yo daughter each week.
She has spent most of the day making a Ben Cousins banner.
Get a life you imbeciles.
Ben has been terrifc for the RFC, as the RFC has been for Ben
Good stuff Jack :thumbsup
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At the end of the day they are footballers, not knights of the templar. They drink, they root, they swear, some of them fall arrse over tit just like other human beings. The football honors are for football achievements of which he has many and contributed much. Frankly, the drug addicts that affect me the most are the smokers who blow there stuffing smoke in my face around the entrance of buildings or chuck their butts on the deck instead of the bin standing right next to them. I tell em to pick em up, If they don't, I flick it into their hair. Then of course I'M the bad man again.
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At the end of the day they are footballers, not knights of the templar. They drink, they root, they swear, some of them fall arrse over tit just like other human beings. The football honors are for football achievements of which he has many and contributed much. Frankly, the drug addicts that affect me the most are the smokers who blow there effing smoke in my face around the entrance of buildings or chuck their butts on the deck instead of the bin standing right next to them. I tell em to pick em up, If they don't, I flick it into their hair. Then of course I'M the bad man again.
Lets dont get me started about smokers.
have interviewed many for positions with my company over the past few weeks and put a line though there name when I can smell the smoke.
They think its a given right to have a "'smoko"' every hour.
The most unproductive thing in a workplace, disgracefull habit
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At the end of the day they are footballers, not knights of the templar. They drink, they root, they swear, some of them fall arrse over tit just like other human beings. The football honors are for football achievements of which he has many and contributed much. Frankly, the drug addicts that affect me the most are the smokers who blow there effing smoke in my face around the entrance of buildings or chuck their butts on the deck instead of the bin standing right next to them. I tell em to pick em up, If they don't, I flick it into their hair. Then of course I'M the bad man again.
Lets dont get me started about smokers.
have interviewed many for positions with my company over the past few weeks and put a line though there name when I can smell the smoke.
They think its a given right to have a "'smoko"' every hour.
The most unproductive thing in a workplace, disgracefull habit
Crap, I've been my company's little star performer for the last 13 years and smoked most of the way through it
Some smokers realise that when they go out every hour or whatever they have to work harder than the others to make up for it
I say some. There are some good ones out there, Jack, and just as many bad.
I think you are discriminating in your workplace, Jack, and should watch that :lol
Me if I was employing, I'd stay from the ones that can't keep their mouths shut and spread gossip and innuendo :shh
:gotigers
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well, smokers insist they have a smoko every hour, 8 hours a day= 80 minutes unproductive time.
and in my single days, any chick that smoked kept there shoes on, lol
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and in my single days
:rollin
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You coulda just given em a minty Jack
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You coulda just given em a minty Jack
mate, kept running out of Minties. :ROTFL
And then if they lit up in the morning, i was dressed and gone :outtahere
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lets hope he plays well today and the tiges have a big win :gotigers
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lets hope he plays well today and the tiges have a big win :gotigers
I do too.
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You coulda just given em a minty Jack
mate, kept running out of Minties. :ROTFL
And then if they lit up in the morning, i was dressed and gone :outtahere
;D
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JB Hi-Fi have the DVD of the doco
(http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/rkt/MEDIUM//43/90/4390921.jpg)
A personal account of Ben's brave struggle against drug addiction. PLUS 120 MINUTES OF CONTENT NOT SEEN ON TV!
http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/sport-fitness/such-is-life-the-troubled-times-of-ben-cousins/538845
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Can't say I'll be rushing out to buy that one.
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What a horrific cover..
Great work Marketing... good to see where the big bucks are spent, maybe put a knife with blood on it in his hands...
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JB Hi-Fi have the DVD of the doco
(http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/rkt/MEDIUM//43/90/4390921.jpg)
A personal account of Ben's brave struggle against drug addiction. PLUS 120 MINUTES OF CONTENT NOT SEEN ON TV!
http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/sport-fitness/such-is-life-the-troubled-times-of-ben-cousins/538845
Can also be purchased on www.bencousins.com.au donation to Creynian House drug rehab in Perth where Carol Daws works. Also Ben will sign and personalise.
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It was really only one of those watch once type shows.
I wouldn't watch it again.
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It was really only one of those watch once type shows.
I wouldn't watch it again.
There is 2 hours of extra footage
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What a horrific cover..
Great work Marketing... good to see where the big bucks are spent, maybe put a knife with blood on it in his hands...
u silly old.
such a drama queen. :wallywink
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Ben will be making a personal appearance from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Westfield Southland in Melbourne next Saturday September 18 to sign copies of the ‘Such Is Life’ DVD.
Details are:
11.30am
Westfield Southland,
Centre Court, Level One
1239 Nepean Highway
Cheltenham
Source: http://www.bencousins.com.au/ (http://www.bencousins.com.au/)
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How heartbreak made Ben Cousins bare his soul
* Paul Toohey
* From: Herald Sun
* September 17, 2010 11:52PM
HIS was not the celebration of a man who'd had a long life.Chris Mainwaring, a beloved son of the West Coast Eagles, was only 41.
He had two young kids. Cocaine had got him.
Ben Cousins and Robert Clemenger met across Mainwaring's coffin, as they carried him into the chapel of Perth's Geez Church Grammar School on October 8, 2007.
Cousins, champion West Coast midfielder, was himself a beloved, but fallen, son of the Eagles. He had become a drug user who lived between the underworld and the light. He had first-hand knowledge of Mainwaring's final hours.
Clemenger, a Victorian thoroughbred breeder, did not follow football but regarded Mainwaring as his closest friend.
He'd raced horses in Perth and, when hanging out with Mainwaring, had seen the adoration accorded to even a retired Eagle. He knew about Mainwaring's cocaine problem but was struggling to understand. Cousins held the key.
Mainwaring's death sent Cousins on a quest for annihilation, during which he developed a narcissistic notion: he would film his deteriorating life.
Cousins would later make an introductory statement to his documentary Such is Life - The Troubled Times of Ben Cousins, saying he hoped it would send a powerful message about drugs.
But that was an afterthought.
It would be about making money; giving himself something to do, and punishing the media by telling his story on his own terms. He would also punish the AFL, for choosing him to take the drug fall.
Clemenger would eventually play a role in delivering footage of Cousins smoking ice, dancing in his jocks with pixelated chicks, breaking down, and breaking his family's heart.
Anthony Mundine and his manager Khoder Nasser first suggested Cousins make the film, and pointed Cousins towards Paul Butler and Scott Walton, of Brisbane's 50/50 Films, best known for making clips for bands Powderfinger and Eskimo Joe.
Butler and Walton embedded with Cousins over 2008, when he was in no man's land. They gave him a camera to record his activities when they couldn't be there.
After 14 months, they had 100-plus hours of material - the most disturbing insights into a high-profile Australian ever seen.
Cousins never retreated. He insisted the most damning footage would not be censored. He wanted to tell an unacceptable truth: he loved drugs.
But things changed at the end of 2008. The AFL cleared Cousins to play.
After being rejected by several high-profile clubs, he signed with lowly Richmond for 2009.
The year off had bled his finances. He could no longer pay Butler and Walton. And he knew they could not handle the delicate negotiations required to bring this hammer-to-the-head material to the screen.
He needed money, and someone to get the AFL over the line. They controlled the rights to his playing footage. Cousins was hawking a very rough promo to the networks.
You'd think they'd have torn each other's throats to sign him. Perhaps the material -- and Cousins' intensity -- scared them.
COUSINS' own management advised that the money he'd sunk into the project was unlikely to be recouped.
But Robert Clemenger wanted it to be seen - for Mainwaring as much as Cousins: "My attitude was, 'Stuff that.' I knew how big the whole thing could be."
It was early 2009 and Clemenger was still traumatised by Mainwaring's death. "Chris was my best friend," he says. "You know how everyone's got someone they confide in? When Chris died, I lost that.
"When Ben came across to Melbourne for Richmond, that was terrific, because I knew how close Chris and Ben were. I felt this association to him through Ben.
"There were still a lot of questions and Ben, being the last person to see him, was the only person who could answer them.
"We met up in a hotel in Southbank. When I met Ben I said, 'I'm only after the truth and if you lie to me you'll never see me again.' He gave the answers. He gave me peace of mind."
Clemenger knew from Mainwaring that Cousins' excesses were "no better or worse" than some of the other Eagles.
Several members of the team knew about the drug use, he said.
"It's a joke. That's the hypocritical part of the AFL, and the press. They got the big guy in Cousins, but he is just the twig on the branch of a massive tree."
Clemenger began sorting out Cousins' expenses on the documentary to date. One receipt showed him how closely Cousins was watching money. It was, "Hot dog for doco boys".
Clemenger lined up a meeting with music boss Michael Gudinski, who watched the rough footage.
"I was impressed with Ben," says Gudinski. "I'm a football supporter and I thought it was a story that needed to be told."
What did Cousins want from the film? "I don't think Ben Cousins had a master plan."
Gudinski flew to Brisbane to give Butler and Walton the bad news - he would employ his own director and would need the footage.
"Ben was the one that got rid of Paul Butler, not me," says Gudinski.
Says Cousins: "They were doing a good job but we were really fighting an uphill battle. We didn't have a boss. We needed someone to give us direction, because we didn't know what documentary we were making."
Gudinksi's first call was to Paul Goldman, a director who had shot video clips for him "in the old days".
Goldman knows everyone, from the dark rock lords to pop princesses. And he had a weakness known to few who live east of the dingo fence: he was an Eagles fan.
The Brisbane boys felt they had moral rights, but copyright resided with Cousins.
On Cousins' motivations for making the documentary, Goldman says: "I don't think he understood why he wanted to do this.
"It's a remarkable act of narcissism but I think it was therapeutic.
"I think he also wanted a right of reply. Everyone feels the right to have an opinion about his life.
"He's never dobbed anyone in. He's refused to make simpering apologies at the behest of the Eagles or the AFL. I'm sure he's been asked to speak publicly against drugs. He won't do it."
Cousins didn't want a tame outcome.
For him, finishing the film was important. "There's some things in my life that I've started and never stuck at, apart from football," he says.
"That's part of what I set out to do. By investing my money and time, it became harder to walk away from."
Goldman knew the AFL was not keen: "They made it clear, along the way, the project would never see the light of day until after he'd retired."
Gudinski will not discuss his negotiations with the AFL.
"The last thing the AFL wanted to be seen as were as censors and that's as much as I'll say," he says.
Cousins insisted the documentary be shown while he was still playing. He wanted it to be relevant, and disturbing. The chance came at the end of season 2010.
Gudinski says: "As it turned out we had a bit of luck. I found inside information about Ben going to retire and it was the right time for it to be run and we got there."
Gudinski agrees some viewers hated it. They were infuriated by the smug Cousins smile.
Goldman says he must take some responsibility. When Cousins gave his account of fleeing the booze bus on Perth's Canning Highway in 2006 - which cost him the Eagles captaincy - he told it with a serious face.
"When it comes to documentary truth, this is an enlightening moment," says Goldman. "I said, 'Do you mind telling it again, with a bit of a smile and a cheeky grin, turn it into a more rollicking tale?' He did that and that's what we used. People have crucified him for it."
Why do it? "Because the Ben I got to know is f------ cheeky."
And Cousins? "I'm very reluctant to come out and say I'm cured...There is no doubt it was a cathartic experience. I didn't realise how much pain or damage I'd caused to those around me until I started working my way back through the documentary."
COUSINS seems to be once again in a good place.
Of his future, Goldman says: "I keep hearing the word 'trepidation'."
Says Clemenger: "I can guarantee you if the documentary hadn't gone to air he'd be looking for his next pipe right now.
"I've never seen anyone's face light up like that when you talk about drugs. He seems to have come through the other side."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/how-heartbreak-made-ben-cousins-bare-his-soul/story-e6frf7l6-1225925650466
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Ben will be making a personal appearance from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Westfield Southland in Melbourne next Saturday September 18 to sign copies of the ‘Such Is Life’ DVD.
Details are:
11.30am
Westfield Southland,
Centre Court, Level One
1239 Nepean Highway
Cheltenham
Source: http://www.bencousins.com.au/ (http://www.bencousins.com.au/)
1500 people were waiting outside Southland this morning at 7am to see Cuz even though the shopping centre doesn't open until 9am. However only 500 of them were allowed in to meet Cuz at the DVD signing.
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i was at work but was lucky enough to get a signed copy from a work mates wife! stoked! :D she said Ben was brilliant and couldnt speak highly enough of he club in the brief time she got to talk to him!