Problems stemmed from substance use: Cousins
The Age
May 4, 2007 - 4:00PM
West Coast star Ben Cousins has publicly apologised for his stunning fall from grace.
In his first public statement since the club indefinitely suspended him on March 20, the Brownlow Medallist said today he had undergone rehabilitation in the past month including "treatment for a number of personal issues including illness as a result of substance use".
"My treatment is an ongoing process and I have many challenges ahead of me that I need to overcome as part of my recovery to full health," he said.
"I apologise to West Coast, sponsors, the AFL and the community for my actions.
"I am sorry that I have disappointed many people who have supported me in the past."
Cousins added he would fulfil any obligations that the Eagles impose on him so he can play again.
"At the present time, I do not know when I will play again, my priority is to regain my health, my life and my standing," he said.
"As you are aware I have been at an overseas rehabilitation centre for the past month month undergoing treatment for a number of personal issues including illness as a result of substance use," said Cousins.
While he did not go into any great detail about his personal problems today, Cousins' father Bryan admitted last month his son had a substance abuse problem.
On March 29, he went to an exclusive rehabilitation clinic in Malibu, California.
The day before his return to Perth on April 30, the AFL held a meeting with the Eagles hierarchy to discuss a number of issues relating to their players' off-field behaviour, with Cousins foremost on the agenda.
West Coast chairman Dalton Gooding publicly apologised after the meeting.
Cousins, 28, cannot resume his playing career until he gets the all-clear from both the Eagles and the AFL.
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