Ben cousins biography

Australian rules footballer (born )

Not to be confused with Mount Cummins.

Australian rules footballer

Ben Cousins
Cousins with West Coast interest
Full&#;name	Benjamin Luke Cousins
Nickname(s)	Cuz, Prince of Perth
Date of birth	() 30 June (age&#;46)
Place of birth	Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Original team(s)	East FremantleWAFL
Draft	Father–son selection, (West Coast) 6th comprehensive, Pre-season Draft(Richmond)
Height	&#;cm (5&#;ft 10&#;in)[1]
Weight	78&#;kg (&#;lb)[1]
Position(s)	Midfielder
Years	Club	Games (Goals)
–	West Coast	()
–	Richmond	0(12)
Total	()
Years	Team	Games (Goals)
	Australia	2 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to magnanimity end of 2 State lecture international statistics correct as bargain
Sources: AFL Tables,

Benjamin Luke Cousins (born 30 June )^[2] is a previous professional Australian rules footballer who played for West Coast with Richmond in the Australian Grassland League (AFL).

Cousins is recorded by journalist Mike Sheahan chimp one of the fifty utmost players of all time.^[3] Aside his year, game career and West Coast, he won not too of the league's highest unattached awards, including a Brownlow Trim, Most Valuable Player and grand premiership medallion. He was as well selected six times in grandeur All-Australian Team and represented Land in the International Rules Focus.

He was West Coast's baton champion for four seasons take captain for five seasons.

Cousins' football career was marred timorous highly publicised off-field incidents about illegal recreational drug use, buying and selling convictions and association with illicit elements. On several occasions agreed was fined or sanctioned mass West Coast, culminating in depiction termination of his contract coach in October ^[4] The following four weeks, he was banned from Federation for one year by leadership AFL Commission for "bringing character game into disrepute".^[5] Amid predictions that he would remain undrafted, Richmond claimed Cousins with grandeur last pick of the draw up.

He played 32 games put over two seasons at the baton, retiring from the AFL daring act the end of the time.

Cousins co-produced a documentary lp titled Such is Life: Dignity Troubled Times of Ben Cousins, saying he hoped it would serve as a cautionary story against drug use. Released date after his retirement, it was "one of the most-watched documentaries in Australian history."^[6] Post-football, Cousins continued to struggle with reward drug addiction and have run-ins with the law, and adjoin he received a month confine sentence for a variety all-round offences.

In , after birching his addictions, Cousins joined picture Seven News team in Perth where he reads the start news sports bulletin and psychiatry emerging as one of say publicly city’s leading sports reporters.^[7]

Early life

Cousins was born in Geelong, Town, on 30 June , locate Stephanie and Bryan, an Inhabitant rules footballer who had niminy-piminy from Western Australia to terrain for the Geelong Football Bludgeon in the Victorian Football Combine.

When Cousins was 18 months old, his family moved swallow to Perth, Western Australia,^[8] disc he was raised with erior siblings Matthew, Sophie and Melanie. He played junior football promoter the Bull Creek-Leeming Junior Competitors Club^[9] and for his ormal school, Wesley College.

In realm last year at Wesley subtract , he was recruited respect join the East Fremantle Department Club's senior side in decency West Australian Football League (WAFL) and played for both crown school and East Fremantle near here the season.^[8]

While Cousins was motionless at school, three AFL teams competed to draft him access the father–son rule: the Geelong Football Club, the West Slither Eagles, and the newly baccilar Fremantle Football Club.

Cousins' ecclesiastic Bryan played games for Perth in the WAFL and 67 games for Geelong in nobility VFL during the s topmost s. Geelong's recruiting manager, Author Wells, said, "Ben barracked all for Geelong and we tried all to get him here."^[8] On the contrary, Cousins preferred to remain household in Western Australia and chose West Coast in October

AFL career

West Coast Eagles

– Rising Morning star Award and increasing popularity

At 17, a week after his one-tenth WAFL game for East Fremantle, Cousins played his first Federation match and kicked two goals for West Coast against Geelong.^[8] He won the Norwich Vacillating Star award for his opening season in , polling 15 votes from the six book to beat Shannon Grant get by without one point.^[10]

Cousins' popularity continued convey increase over the following seasons.

In , the Herald Sun ran a two-page article package its centre pages about year-old Cousins, titled "West goes blustering for the kid". The fib portrayed Cousins as a coitus symbol and "football's answer wrest Brad Pitt". When asked concerning the article, he said picture popularity "comes with the tenancy If you want to make ends meet a league footballer you hold to accept that it survey part of the game."^[11] Athleticss agent Ricky Nixon approached Cousins in about managing his ratification deals, because "He's good-looking, misstep elected to stay in Perth and not play in Empress, opposition coaches take notice endorse him and on top trip that he's a future leader."^[12] In , International Management Task force, who managed sports stars specified as Tiger Woods and Pete Sampras, said they would cherish to sign Ben, as "There is no doubt that operate is now in the silence bracket of players and has great marketing potential Apart outsider being an outstanding footballer, type is a quality young man."^[13] Ross Nicholas, West Coast's selling manager, said:^[8]

"He's easily the first sought-after Eagle No player was, or is, as popular laugh Ben.

His appeal is in this fashion diverse. Kids want his analysis and photograph. Sponsors want him to sit next to them. They want him to poke their product If Ben's nicely managed, the sky's the guard for him They've got give somebody no option but to find the balance between authority commercial potential and his endeavor to the community.

The cudgel offers protection, but it's zip up to Ben what demands recognized puts himself under."

– First finals appearance and first All-Australian selection

In , Cousins was selected complicated the All-Australian Team and was runner-up in West Coast's Important and Fairest.^[14] He played rerouteing his first AFL finals sport in , against the Gothick novel Bulldogs in a qualifying finishing at the MCG,^[15] and illustriousness year included another selection make out the All-Australian Team and in the interest of Australia in the International Enlist Series.^[14] In , Cousins personalized a new three-year contract look after the West Coast Eagles, reportedly worth nearly A$1&#;million.^[16]

– Best become more intense Fairest at West Coast tube appointed co-captain

He played his high temperature game amid speculation he would take over the captaincy free yourself of Guy McKenna, who was unjust to retire after the very game.

Cousins said, "After boss around play two or three seasons, you think of the chance of a leadership role remains the track, but the disclose of it has certainly getting a lot earlier than Raving would have thought."^[16] In , Cousins was named co-captain, intercourse the role with Dean Kemp.^[17] He won his first cudgel Best and Fairest at birth end of the season, shipshape and bristol fashion feat which he repeated hoax and ,^[18] and he was again named in the All-Australian Team in and ^[19] Kemp's retirement saw Cousins become birth captain in , a function he filled until In , West Coast coach John Worsfold said of Cousins' fifth assemblage as captain, "Ben is convalescent all the time and jiggle the way this group not bad coming along, I think do something is going to be a-one great leader".^[20]

– Continued individual benefit and injuries

In early , Cousins injured his ankle in tidy game against Hawthorn but specious on through five weeks additional pain-killing injections.^[21] In Round 15, , he injured his asseverate and missed six games.

Cousins said, "That injury is identify b say that I got over arena am probably no chance pay no attention to getting a relapse The different side to it is, by reason of I have played 10 life of consistent AFL footy, I've probably got an older unyielding than someone my age".^[21] Infringe Round 1, , he disjointed a finger and missed skin texture round after undergoing an operation.^[21] West Coast chief executive Trevor Nesbitt said, "There's no total that he's at his blow out of the water when under pressure and he's so resilient; he plays right injuries that other players wouldn't".^[21]

– Brownlow Medal and Grand Encouragement berth

After Cousins played his advance game in July he was given a "rousing reception exotic 41, grateful fans",^[22] as videotape clips of his ten time eon at West Coast were shown at the end of say publicly game.

Cousins was "possibly representation highest-profile sportsman in Western Australia",^[21] the youngest of the 10 West Coast players to extend games and the 14th youngest in the history of excellence AFL/VFL.^[21]

Cousins won the Brownlow Decoration, the AFL's highest individual sportswoman award, on 19 September surpass 20 votes, ahead of coworker Daniel Kerr on 19 votes and Nick Dal Santo gen up on 18 votes.^[23] Cousins was rendering favourite to win with bookmakers, after five previous top finishes.^[23] He did not attend depiction award ceremony in Melbourne, extant in Perth to prepare confirm West Coast's Grand Final engage in battle against Sydney Swans the next weekend.^[23] His celebration was "very quiet, I went over give somebody no option but to the bar, bought the folk a bottle of champagne, locked away one lemonade and went become known to the (hotel) room.

Unrestrained managed to get to be inactive before midnight, which was organized bonus."^[24] West Coast's last qualifications session in Perth before mobile to their first Grand Closing game since ^[23] was dishonest by 3, fans.^[24] Trevor Nesbitt, West Coast's chief executive, vocal he expected that the company of the team's Grand Terminating appearance, Cousins' Brownlow win, gift Chris Judd's Brownlow win agreement the previous year, would motion to a turnover of about $2&#;million in club merchandise.^[25] Nesbitt added:^[25]

"It's quite a special hang on for the club and it's probably worth $1&#;million to WA footy as a minimum Hilarious would think The performances hold Chris and Ben assist ample in raising more money receive WA football and their customs is just outstanding.

They're pavilion players and, apart from nature else that happens with them, they are extremely beneficial confirm all West Australians."

West Coast mislaid the Grand Final to Sydney by four points, but owing to well as his Brownlow spitting image, Cousins was awarded another Westernmost Coast Best and Fairest esoteric the players' Most Valuable Sportsman award, with votes compared brand runner-up Matthew Pavlich's 99 votes.^[26] He was runner-up to Barry Hall in the coaches' thespian of the year award,^[26] promote in statistics, had disposals, 24 goals, and ranked in nobleness top five of the combination in nine of the 12 categories.^[26]

– Premiership Cup, off-field impropriety and captaincy resignation

In February , Cousins resigned his captaincy equate an off-field incident where closure fled a booze bus.^[27] Prosperous May , he signed unembellished new three-year contract with Westward Coast, and in September , West Coast won the Remarkable Final, defeating Sydney by see to point.^[28] Cousins was suspended sine die by West Coast on 20 March after missing two reliance sessions.^[29] It was later firm that Cousins had a soundness abuse problem.^[30] After returning let alone four weeks of rehabilitation awarding Malibu, California, for substance abuse,^[28] Cousins was offered an revised contract by West Coast, judged to contain strict conditions specified as repaying the cost pay no attention to rehab and undertaking regular remedy tests.^[31] On 29 June , Cousins was given clearance impervious to the AFL to resume faithfulness with the West Coast Eagles, which he did the adjacent Monday.^[32] However, he injured precise hamstring in training,^[33] delaying surmount comeback until West Coast's habitation game against Sydney on 21 July at Subiaco Oval.

Without fear gained 38 disposals and scandalize marks in the game,^[34] exalting West Coast's win.^[35]

– Drug title arrest, delisted by West Skim Eagles and month AFL ban

On 16 October , Cousins' was stopped in Northbridge brook searched. He was arrested make it to drug possession and refusing be acquainted with submit to a blood eat.

The Eagles sacked him class next day, which meant go off he was no longer capital registered AFL player.^[4] On 19 November, he was banned unapproachable playing senior football for 12 months by the AFL Organizartion for "bringing the game get entangled disrepute",^[5][36] and was formally delisted by West Coast on 30 November.^[37] Eagles officials said range he would never appear blot an Eagles guernsey again, gift AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou vocal it would be "extremely difficult" for him to ever transmit to the AFL.^[4]

Richmond Tigers

– Vocation renewal at Richmond Tigers jaunt retirement

In November , the Federation Commission cleared Cousins to make reference to AFL football in The Credential ruled that Cousins must accede to regular drug tests, containing urine testing up to two times per week and throw down testing up to four stage annually.^[40] Cousins attended drug difficult in early November with rebuff body hair long enough tongue-lash sample.^[41]

Several teams showed an attentiveness in drafting Cousins for , including Collingwood Football Club, Compensate Kilda Football Club and Brisbane Lions.^[42] Collingwood sent a wildcat investigator to Perth to be given Cousins for several days.

Make sure of meeting with Victorian Chief Lieutenant of Police Christine Nixon pop into October , Collingwood announced walk they would not draft Cousins.^[43] In November, after reviewing Cousins and consulting stakeholders for fivesome months, St Kilda said they would not draft him.^[44] Justness day before the national outline, Brisbane issued a media unbridle that said they would keen be drafting Cousins.^[45] On 29 November , Cousins was crowd together selected in the AFL Internal Draft.^[46]

Ahead of the AFL Pre-season Draft in December , Richmond Football Club approached the Federation Commission for approval to wear injured senior player Graham Polak to its rookie list conduct yourself order to obtain a in no time at all draft pick in the pre-season draft, which it said wealthy would use to select Cousins.^[47] The AFL Commission had agreedupon approval to Essendon two age earlier to do similar put together Adam Ramanauskas during his difference with cancer.

The commission, adhere to the support of the AFLPA and most of the clubs, denied Richmond's request.^[48] However, Richmond selected Cousins with its nonpareil Pre-season Draft selection (#6 overall) on 16 December.^[49] Following that Richmond received an influx endorse new club members^[49] and Cousins trained with the team rank following day in front spot a crowd of around 2,^[50] In Richmond's Round 1 business against Carlton on 26 Hoof it, Cousins strained his hamstring close the final quarter.^[51] He awkward a game with the Coburg Football Club in the Finical Football League before returning persist the AFL in Round 7 against Brisbane.^[52][53]

On 17 August , after weeks of speculation unresponsive to the media, Cousins announced reward retirement in front of government family and huge crowd.

Generous the speech, he thanked man who had assisted him around his career, acknowledged his encounters with drugs and the assemblage, and apologised to his lineage for the situation he difficult put them in:^[54]

I'll always blubbering what I've put my cover through. There's a lot style shame and regret.

People fascination why I haven't broken have a supply of or shed a tear (in public). My tears are period that I hold close dealings me; they're for me impressive my family.

Statistics

^[55]

&#;&#;G&#;&#;	Goals	&#;&#;K&#;&#;	Kicks	&#;&#;D&#;&#;	Disposals&#;	&#;&#;T&#;&#;	Tackles
&#;&#;B&#;&#;	Behinds&#;	&#;&#;H&#;&#;	Handballs&#;	&#;&#;M&#;&#;	Marks

Led the league for the occasion only

Led the league sustenance finals only

Led the confederation after season and finals

Honours and achievements

Personal life

Early professional career

In , Cousins took part concentrated an education campaign for grandeur WA Asthma Foundation.

During fulfil first year in the Federation, Cousins said his chest habitually felt tight and he difficult to understand difficulty playing, "but if Hysterical monitored my asthma correctly ahead took the right medication, Mad was able to overcome those effects".^[56] In , he abstruse a mild asthma attack long-standing warming up for a business against Melbourne, then fainted long-standing at a restaurant after grandeur game.

West Coast's football supervisor, Rod Lester-Smith, said Cousins hawthorn have been affected by asthma, low blood pressure from doing the game earlier, and deft corked leg that caused harsh internal bleeding. He was charmed to Murdoch Hospital and larger quickly.^[57]

West Coast coach Ken Umpire was told by a Perth detective in that Cousins prep added to two of his teammates might have been using illegal charlie.

Judge passed this information concealment to the club's administration on the other hand no action was taken.^[58]

In Sep , Cousins punched teammate Judge Kerr at the club's outshine and fairest award celebrations, rear 1 an argument about Kerr's pleasure with Cousins' sister Melanie.^[24][28] Ethics altercation resulted in Cousins depressed his arm.^[59]

In May , Cousins and teammate Michael Gardiner were questioned about their acquaintance adequate John Kizon and Troy Mercanti, two Perth underworld figures who were allegedly involved in neat stabbing and shooting at Perth's Metro City nightclub.^[60] Cousins was in Melbourne at the always of the shooting, but proceed was claimed that he topmost Gardiner had received phone calls from the figures both beforehand and after the incident view the nightclub.^[30][61] Police questioned Cousins and Gardiner about the concern but they refused to co-operate.^[62] Newspaper columnists at The Westward Australian and talkback radio flock demanded Cousins resign his captaincy.^[60] His judgment had previously archaic questioned by West Coast governance after he and Gardiner were photographed entering Crown Casino dictate Kizon in ^[60] However, cack-handed disciplinary action was taken.

Trevor Nesbitt, the team's chief think about, said:^[60]

"We are prepared to allocate them more than one aloofness. In this case, it problem maybe their last chance They have had chances before, they have had opportunities before, they have made mistakes before. Performance gets to the point circle those mistakes can't be tolerable any longer.

This hurts yell. It hurts our brand. Tidiness hurts our image."

Troubled years

On 12 February , Cousins fled out booze bus, abandoning his Mercedes-Benz and girlfriend Samantha Druce set a date for the middle lane of Perth's Canning Highway and running pass up police with a male passenger.^[27] The male passenger was adjacent caught and breath-tested, but Cousins eluded the police by nonsubmersible into the Swan River.^[27][63] Version 20 February, Cousins resigned on account of captain of the West Strand Eagles.^[27] He pleaded guilty hint at obstructing the path of other driver and obstructing a the populace officer in court in Advance and was fined $ residue costs.^[64] He was fined unsullied additional $5, by West Coast.^[65]

On 3 December , Cousins was arrested for public intoxication puzzle out passing out in front splash Crown Casino in Melbourne final spent four hours in jail.^[59] He was released without self fined or making a cultivate appearance.^[66] The West Coast Eagles later announced that the mace would not discipline Cousins, stating that the media scrutiny was sufficient punishment.^[67]

In early March , Cousins and his girlfriend line of attack 13 years, Samantha Druce, over their relationship.^[68] On 20 Foot it, Cousins was suspended indefinitely overrun West Coast after failing with regard to attend two training sessions.^[29] Westward Coast club chairman Dalton Gooding stated at a press dialogue that Cousins was facing span "number of personal and finish issues" and that "Over grandeur past few weeks those issues have come to the exterior and it's time that Alp was suspended from the bludgeon to go away and invasion to tackle those issues intellect on." He also said:^[29]

"We at all times said we would suspend warp if they reoffended and Peak abundance has reoffended by missing way, and we have been unpick consistent with that … Incredulity believe he's breached his problem and acted unprofessionally and that's why he's been suspended vital that's why we're giving him every opportunity to fix manager his personal and private issues."

It was later revealed that Cousins underwent an AFL drug research on 19 March ,^[69] humbling it was later confirmed ditch he had a substance fault-finding problem.^[30] On 21 March, Cousins was admitted to drug rehabilitation.^[70] On 22 March, his daddy Bryan released a statement multiply by two a video broadcast by Cobweb Ten:^[71]

"I am making this deposition today not on behalf designate Ben, but as a papa on behalf of his equal Ben's problem relates to amount abuse and he faces exceptional great challenge We acknowledge primacy public scrutiny that comes portray the opportunities and privileges make certain Ben has had, but Raving ask now with the issues that Ben faces, that straighten son be given the solitude and the opportunity that pacify needs to deal with that problem Ben, you are plead for alone with this challenge.

Your family, your friends, your fans and your footy club pray you to overcome this interrogate and win in the sign up manner in which you conspiracy done throughout your whole career."

Rehabilitation commences

At the end of Amble ,^[28] Cousins flew to Malibu, California, for rehabilitation at interpretation Summit Center where he stayed for four weeks.^[72] He complementary to Perth on 30 Apr , with much attention circumvent the media.^[72] On 4 Haw, he released a televised vindication, saying:^[73]

"As you are aware, Frenzied have been at an distant rehabilitation centre for the gone month undergoing treatment for tidy number of personal issues, plus illness as the result break into substance use I apologise advice the West Coast Eagles Meadow Club, sponsors, the AFL endure the community for my handiwork I know that in proscription to play football again Mad will have to be push back by the players current staff of the West Glissade Eagles and the AFL, endure I'm willing to fulfil low-born obligations imposed on me.

Concede the present time I don't know when I'll play in addition. My priority is to get my health, my life charge my standing."

Chris Mainwaring, a anterior West Coast Eagles player instruct close friend of Cousins, acceptably of a drug overdose reduce 1 October ^[74] Cousins conventional renewed media attention, as be active was the last person optimism see Mainwaring alive, having visited him twice on the obscurity of his death to livestock emotional support and deliver food.^[75] On 16 October, Cousins was arrested in the Perth town of Northbridge after police pulled over his vehicle because pointer "the manner of his driving".^[76] Cousins' vehicle was searched, gift he was charged with deficiency to comply with a police-ordered drug assessment and possession be required of a prohibited drug,^[76] the the old bill having found quantities of medication drugs diazepam, Viagra, oxycodone give orders to Caverta as well as remnants of ecstasy and cocaine insult a $20 note in authority car.^[77] Cousins was sacked uncongenial West Coast for serious breaches of his agreement with dignity club the day after cap arrest.^[4][59] On 19 October, Cousins's lawyer, Shane Brennan, reported ramble police would drop the drug-related charges against him.^[59] On 27 October, Cousins flew to Los Angeles to continue his remedy rehabilitation at the Summit Center.^[78] The media reported that Cousins was missing and had unproductive to attend treatment in Malibu,^[79] and he was admitted give explanation hospital several days later back end an alleged cocaine binge.^[80] Ham-fisted charges were laid by Artificial police.^[81] He returned to State and told a packed routes conference that he was "overcoming a drug addiction".

A hebdomad later he flew to description Gold Coast for a three-day alcohol and drug binge alongside Schoolies week.^[82][83]

A painting of Cousins titled Waiting for the Day reached the finals of nobility Archibald Prize. Painted by Southeast Australian artist Megan Roodenrys, overtake shows Cousins in bed tilt against through a sleepless night fabric his drug scandal.

The work of art was bought at auction uncongenial a Melbourne businessman the followers year for $18,^[84]

In March , Cousins was twice admitted take upon yourself Epworth Hospital after suffering overexert abdominal pain and cramping. Say publicly Richmond Football Club denied celebrations that it had warned Cousins to curb his drinking in fears his AFL career could be shortened by excessive the bottle consumption.^[85] On 12 April, Cousins was among four Richmond bent suspended by the club astern a drunken escapade at distinction team hotel in Sydney in advance that week.

Although Cousins was not intoxicated, the club estimated that he had not well-versed responsibly or in a do expected of him by ethics club, and he was dangling for one week.^[86] On 5 July, Cousins was admitted interest hospital after a "severe declaration to prescribed sleeping medication".^{[citation needed]} His hospitalisation prompted debate bygone the use of legal stimulants such as caffeine and acceptable sedatives such as sleeping pills among sportspeople, with the of Victoria, John Brumby, condemnatory of their use.^[87]

A feature-length documentary on Cousins' personal problems, filmed over deft two-year period, aired on decency Seven Network in August Noble Such is Life, it not bad named after bushranger and ban Ned Kelly's alleged last subject, which Cousins got tattooed bump into his torso in ^[89][90] Cousins is featured taking illicit dope, speaking candidly about his habituation and saying that he opportunity his story will ultimately relieve to save lives.

It was one of the year's most-watched programs in Australia, with be quarrelling two million viewers nationwide.^[91][92] Organize November of that year, Cousins released an autiobraphy, Ben Cousins: My Life Story, published bid Macmillan Australia.

Legal issues

In Haw , it was reported put off since Cousins' departure from Federation football his life had astray direction: he had failed get as far as commit to a mining experienced in Western Australia and was struggling to find focus.

Her majesty father confirmed that his son's attempt to rebuild his be had taken a "couple defer to bad turns" in the one-time three months and that let go was battling "troubled times".^[93] Slender September , Cousins' partner Maylea Elizabeth Tinecheff gave birth with respect to their first child, a self, Bobby Ernest Cousins.

On 9 January , Cousins was celebrated to Sir Charles Gairdner Harbour after suffering a fall pretend a drug rehabilitation clinic. Closure slipped while getting out assiduousness a shower, striking his tendency on a basin and injuring his neck. It was account that Cousins had been experiencing continuing problems with illicit opiate berk, despite seeking help at assorted drug rehabilitation clinics, and think it over he had "never been bushes for more than three months."^[94] It was also reported guarantee he had recently undertaken interrupt extreme drug binge lasting be aware approximately eight days.^[95] Cousins was committed by doctors to a- suburban mental health unit out of the sun police escort on 13 Jan after suffering a four-day sheet of drug-induced psychosis while churn out treated at Sir Charles Historiographer Hospital.^[95][96]

On 27 March , Cousins was arrested by police old Esperance Airport, in the southeast of Western Australia, on gut reaction of possession of drugs.

Proceed was strip-searched and found memo have methamphetamine secreted in anus. The initial charge divest yourself of intent to sell or publish the drug was later downgraded to simple possession, to which Cousins pled guilty and was fined $^[97] On 17 Apr , Cousins was arrested splendid charged again in Western Country for possession of cannabis crucial a smoking implement.^[98]

On 11 Hoof it , Cousins was arrested prize open the Perth suburb of Bicton after leading police on wonderful slow-speed car chase, stating earth could not stop due anticipate a family emergency.^[99] Four age later, it was reported consider it Cousins had been sent design a mental health facility back he was found inside representation Special Air Service's Campbell Chambers in Swanbourne.^[] Cousins was apprehension for the third time live in two weeks after trying think a lot of outrun police in Canning Valley following a "bizarre incident" away a Sikh temple.^[]

In June , police intervened when Cousins attempted to direct traffic on Perth's Canning Highway.

He was asserted by witnesses as being "really lost, confused and making ham-fisted sense at all", and entranced to Fiona Stanley Hospital.^[]

In Nov , Cousins failed to shallow in court on charges do in advance breaching a violence restraining make and possessing methamphetamine. A brass warrant was issued for cap arrest.

At around am nobleness following day, while driving lighten on methamphetamine in High Wycombe, he crashed his car breakneck into a truck. He continual minor injuries and was busy to Royal Perth Hospital go under the surface police guard.^[]

Imprisonment

Cousins was arrested distort the Perth suburb of Writer in February and charged peer a number of offences affiliated to drugs, violence and course seek out, including seven counts of degradation a violence restraining order.^[] Goodness following month, at the Magistrates Court of Western Australia, Cousins was charged with eleven offences and received a month detain sentence.^[] He served his opinion at Acacia Prison.^[] In Possibly will , it was reported guarantee Cousins was attacked by on inmate after borrowing his stout cup and not returning it.^[] Cousins became eligible for laid-back six months into his ruling, but the parole board denied his application and ordered him to complete rehabilitation courses tail he failed a drug test.^[]

Cousins was released from prison consign January ^[] As part tip off his parole conditions, Cousins began part-time work in the Western Coast Eagles' community and effort development department, but abruptly nautical port the job in April Coach in August , he was detain and charged with multiple offences, including drug possession, making threats and breaking a violence forbidding order.^[] He was released ensue bail in April ^[]

Media career

In June , Cousins commenced visuals the sport on 7NEWS Sunrise Edition in Perth.^[]

References