Mix 94.5

My response to the whole Ben Cousins affair is enough is enough. We all know he has failed his club as far as his football goes, but like all of us we are not innocent of making wrong choices in areas of our own lives("those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones"). All I wish to say leave him alone to get on with the business of getting his health back on track, may his career as a footballer be remembered for what it was and hope he can rise to the challenge again.

Posted by judy Tuesday 27 November, 2007 04:48 PM

I am an avid Eagles fan and do support Ben to a certain degree in regard to the media scrutiny that he has received in the past months.
He is a human after all, albeit a 'hero', and has had to deal with his demons. If you have been through this with your children you will understand. Even tho it is a personal choice to involve yourself in the drug culture you must sympathise with all involved having had to deal with this issue.
Had this been any ordinary kid what attention would they have received.
I agree with his sacking and his 12 month ban and do hope this time away from the public eye will encourage his return to good health.
Go Benny!!!

Posted by Elaine Thursday 22 November, 2007 09:26 AM

Mark!
He's been a target because he is in the public eye everyday. I agree that No one in the AFL is worthy of hero status. Our * Heros* out there don't get the * Media* attention they deserve. Sorry ? but i don't give a stuff about any other states AFl players? it's Western Australia we are talking about here. In my opinion Ben made himself a *TARGET*

Posted by Irene Wednesday 21 November, 2007 11:49 AM

Irene? Who is giving him praise?
Nobody saying he should be seen to be "different".
He has been made a target. Nonone in the AFL in my opinion is worthy of hero status and most are not to be looked up to. The victorian footy players of carlton and collingwood and st kilda are thugs and display no better behaviour than Ben Cousins. actually Ben doesnt go around flexing his alpha male toughness and beat people up in pubs and nightclubs. Victorian players do. And they get away with it. Why are these other AFL thugs protected and their indecent behaviour ignored? Ben is a target of the board and the media stakeholders who need a scalp to make an example of, in response to the AFL being accused of not doing enough about football thuggery and poor offfield behaviour.

Posted by Mark Wednesday 21 November, 2007 06:39 AM

Darlene? yes the Chick that phoned for the ambulance, and it was a 3 day bender....
I just cannot believe that most people are sticking up for him? what if it was one of our kids found like this on a street corner? would they they get all this parise?? Don't think so..

Posted by Irene Tuesday 20 November, 2007 04:21 PM

Perhaps a 12 month ban from ALF may be justwhat he needs to get his life back on track. Taking a good hard look at yourself is never easy and doing it in front of the media and an unforgiving public does make it harder but I think Ben needs to sought himself out if he wants his life to amount to something other than all of the negative things that have been taking place over the past 12 months. I truely hope he has the strength of character to pull himself through, noone can do it for him and he has to wnat it for himself. Good luck.

Posted by Joy Turvey Monday 19 November, 2007 05:31 PM

I am going to make this very short. Too many people jumped to comclusions and it is the medias fault, he should get back the eagles where he belongs and people shouldnt be the first to judge when just becuase he is famouse should he be any different. yeah little kids look up to him but what about all the drunk parrents whos little children have know one?
have we thoguth about that.
LEAVE HIM ALONE

Posted by Emmylou Quinless Monday 19 November, 2007 02:58 PM

Did anyone ask Ben if he went on a 5 day coke bender. If not shut up.

Posted by Darlene Sunday 18 November, 2007 08:47 PM

Ben is a narcissistic egomaniac who has obviously been encouragd to believe by those around him that he is a hell of a lot more important that he really is. In my opinion, he's a drug addict and all that entails. A seedy life/ seedy world. Footballers aren't heroes. Heroes are people doing amazing things for social justice around the world, families living on minimum wages raising their children well, researchers finding cure for diseases. You Ben are not a heroe you are just a disgrace!

Posted by Marianne Saturday 17 November, 2007 01:30 PM

That's a bloody good point Mark!!!

Posted by Jane Friday 16 November, 2007 08:23 AM

Interesting to read the comments of people who are out of touch, not only with addiction and what it really means, but also the life these media created "starts" lead. Has nobody commenting on Ben's issue heard of George Best? One the all time worlds greatest players of the round ball game who was "a lad" and liked to have a good time. Ben is just being a lad and his career earnings, fame and subsequent networks have given him opportunities. Give the lad a break. If he has got an addiction, then it is an illness, and therefore his club and the media who put him on stage, have a bloody obligation to look after the lad.

Posted by Mark Friday 16 November, 2007 08:13 AM

Police Spying
Cousins should have been sacked on first offence. Drug cheats are unacceptable. West Coast gave Ben another chance.

At the time of sacking Ben, he had done nothing illegal. No hard core drugs were found on him. The cops proceeded to charged him for refusing a drug assessment, a new law, easily abused.

Cousins was pulled over for a minor traffic offence by a group of high ranking officers employed to fight organised crime. “Would you like to be victimised like this for a traffic mistake”. Sounds fishy, it is my theory Ben was on the Cops radar since the Mainwaring incident. They found a twenty dollar bill with traces of cocaine belonging to a passenger. The police stated they will test for the source and compare it to Mainwaring. This implies the cops knew before hand who they pulled off, which means they must have been following him. How much illegal spying on citizens takes place?

The AFL must do more testing on a random system. One strike and out. Ben would be gone long along with others. The AFL is responsible for this mess, not Ben. The cops are responsible for arresting a person who did not break the law, not Ben.

Posted by Shane Friday 16 November, 2007 05:40 AM

Surely under the AFL's 3 strikes policy benny is out. 1. Ducked away from a booze bus. 2. Admits to a "problem and needs rehab.
3. Goes on a 5 day coke bender when he should be in rehab. Ah that all, your out Ben.

Posted by Peter Thursday 15 November, 2007 03:13 PM

All I can say is "WAKE UP BEN" at 29yrs old you would think by now you know right from wrong. You don't seem to think you have a problem, well let me tell you the worst secret of all "YOU HAVE". It is time to come clean Ben and tell the truth for once in your life. Take responsibility for your actions and clean up your act, because the road you are on will only lead to hell pal.

Posted by Peter Thursday 15 November, 2007 02:57 PM

I am so fed up with hearing about Benny Bloody Cousins!! Face facts people - In my opinion the guys a druggie! To all of you who say ' what people do in their private lives is their own business' well that may be so for us 'everyday' people, but this jerk is (or was), a so called 'role' model to a lot of kids. That's just what comes with the territory. He should just slip away quietly into the shadows & sort himself out. (if he really wants too that is) Little Benny needs knocking back into reality. Seems to me that he will never get himself sorted out because I get the feeling that HE doesn't seeem to truly believe that he has a 'problem' & until he wakes up to himself & REALLY admits that there is a HUGE problem with the way he lives his life, no amount of REHAB is going to make any difference. BENNY YOU ARE A DRUG ADDICT.

Posted by Daizee Wednesday 14 November, 2007 09:14 PM

i've just heard that eagles are moving their training ground to the WACA....

i read that the reason is because it's across the road from the east perth lockup

Posted by wattsie Wednesday 14 November, 2007 05:53 PM

... plenty more where that came from :)

Posted by Dockerman Wednesday 14 November, 2007 05:14 PM

OHHHHHH
BUUUUUUUUURN!!!!

niiiice one hahahaha
man i love this

Posted by jayme Wednesday 14 November, 2007 03:29 PM

"To the Dockerman-sorry did I say 'Dawkers'? So sorry must have been a typo-NOT!Its a shame they don't know how to win AFL premierships-still you can't expect much from Kindergarten students..when's Jeff Farmer going into rehab anyway?Oh sorry-he's only an alcoholic, thats not soo bad now is it????????"

Collene, Collene, Collene, Another typically arrogant comment from a brainless, moronic clan who have no idea... Farmer isn't an alcoholic, he has stated that publicly.. check your facts you idiot...

Posted by Dockerman Wednesday 14 November, 2007 03:15 PM

well the media is so gay lets give em something to talk about! well i dont mean like a crazy stab each other riot just like a protest, its how they did things in the 60s and in france hahaha
our lazy nation cant be bothered fighting for anything, they just complain about it hahaha bloody aussies

Posted by jayme Wednesday 14 November, 2007 03:07 PM

I wish people would just wise up and realise Ben has a huge health crisis happening in his young life and understand that is what should be his most important priority, forget the footy for now and get himself well again. I feel for his parents and family.

Posted by cee cee Wednesday 14 November, 2007 03:00 PM

Oh poor Ben. Harden the F#$% UP Ben. Wish i could afford a cocaine habit!

Posted by Football sucks Wednesday 14 November, 2007 02:37 PM

he's a walking news item so spose that's why everyone keeps crapping on about him... don't know bout a riot tho ?... lol

Posted by Dan Wednesday 14 November, 2007 01:36 PM

i hope ben can still play footy, but after he can his health right first, he such a champion footy player i love watching him. Everyone just get of his back, how would you feel if you or one of your siblings had a drug problem and you got all this kind of harresment, its about time you wake up to yourselfs. drugs in society is reality
Hope you get better ben

Posted by Ella Wednesday 14 November, 2007 01:26 PM

obviously half the nation, ALL the media, and everyone else on this forum hahahaha so thats who!
but anyways spose it entertains us so watever! but he is an eagle and always will be i think all the eagle supporters should just start a big protest march/and or RIOTTT to get him back, id be in it!! wooop woop

Posted by Jayme Wednesday 14 November, 2007 01:23 PM

LOL.. anyway, i agree with you on this whole BC things... who f^%king cares?

Posted by Dan Wednesday 14 November, 2007 01:07 PM

nah i did hear it alright...but i didnt get through, the system is rigged i tell ya coz like i ring AS SOON as i here it and i still dont get through! i have like everyone of my friends listening and im sitting around like 3 phones hahahaha
i need to be in this draw or i will die...seriously hahahaha

Posted by jayme Wednesday 14 November, 2007 12:44 PM

hahaha Jayme, I thought you had died because you hadn;t heard the mothership lol

Posted by Dan Wednesday 14 November, 2007 11:47 AM

To the Dockerman-sorry did I say 'Dawkers'? So sorry must have been a typo-NOT!Its a shame they don't know how to win AFL premierships-still you can't expect much from Kindergarten students..when's Jeff Farmer going into rehab anyway?Oh sorry-he's only an alcoholic, thats not soo bad now is it????????

Posted by Collene Wednesday 14 November, 2007 11:46 AM

lol

who f**kin cares

Posted by jayme Wednesday 14 November, 2007 11:35 AM

How many chances to prove himself does the man get. He obviously can't be trusted and wil not change. He keeps messing up his life AND all those around him. The man is poison. He doesn't what to get off the drugs. Am I the only one who remembers the reported 5 day coke binge he was on when he was SUPPOSED to be in rehab. Wake up Benn y boy you are a loser. Drugs mess up the mind and destroy EVERYONE around the abuser.

Posted by Kaytln Wednesday 14 November, 2007 10:34 AM

why dont they just let him play again if anything at least while he is playing or training then he isnt in any trouble..
but anyways im only on here coz i know craig is reading PLAY THE SOUND OF THE MOTHERSHIP ALREADY BEFORE I DIE!!!!!

cheers

Posted by jayme Wednesday 14 November, 2007 10:18 AM

I think that the media should stay out of Bens life before they ruin his life. The Police should use their time better to chase the real criminals, not people who are trying to help themself who also haven't commited any crime.!
Both Ben and his family has been through enough!!! Ben hasn't done anything that is worthy of all this witch hunting. . Leave the decent people in this world alone!! Ben is just a young kid trying to face up to his problems which is none of anyones elses business. Danielle

Posted by Danielle Wednesday 14 November, 2007 10:10 AM

I'm getting pretty sick of the whole thing. Something should have been done by both the Eagles and the AFL when he first ran from the random testing at applecross (we all know why now). An example should be made but the AFL and the players association are too weak to do anything about the problems in the game. Ben has been thumbing his nose at them for a long time with his associations and actions yet nothing has been done.

Sorry but even though i am not a fan of the game he is a blight on the game and the memory of people such as Chris Mainwaring

Posted by iain wearing Wednesday 14 November, 2007 09:50 AM

"I personaly believe the police got it right....."

Megg, you are spot on. I think it is very suspect when a grown man asks another grown man to get him some food; what kind of state was he in when he had to ask fro a grown man to get food, very suspect

Posted by Grace Wednesday 14 November, 2007 09:41 AM

Ben Cousins should have been dropped the very first time he was tested by the AFL, after failing a sports drug test. This is the standard in all sporting events and there is no place for drug cheats in sport. The AFL or West Coast decided to give him another, “another” chance. It is not Ben’s fault that he has been given another chance, but he has and the reality is that he should only be sacked if he is found to be a drug cheat, normaly tested by the AFL. Ben and all sports people must also suffer suspension for a period of time if they bring the game in disrepute.

The problem is, at the time of sacking Ben, had not done nothing illegal. This was before his American trip, where he has not been found guilty of anything. It was the cops that harassed Ben and placed him in the limelight. Every one assumed Ben was high as a kite and guilty as hell, yet absolutely no hard core drugs was found on him. In fact, all charges were dropped, not because the cops bungled it, but because they found nothing. Then they charged him for refusing a drug assessment law that has just been introduced. This sounds like a hokes pokes law that can be easily abused, especially by plain clothed cops.

Ben Cousins was pulled over for a minor traffic offence by a group of high ranking plain clothed police officers whose main job is fighting organised crime. “I would hate to be surrounded and intimidated by such powerful authority, just for losing concentration for a second”. He was not even booked for a traffic offence. This is not normal, sounds fishy and it is my theory that Ben Cousins was on their radar since the Chris Mainwaring incident where he was interviewed for over 6 hours. To support my theory, they found a twenty dollar bill with traces of cocaine that belonged to a passenger and the police have stated that they will test for the source and compare it to what was found on Chris Mainwaring.

This proves there is a link between Ben Cousins arrest and the Chris Mainwaring incident. This implies that the cops who pulled Ben Cousins off new before hand who he was, which means they must have been following him.

Now, the question the public would like to know is how much spying on citizens is done in the name of crime fighting. Spying/following citizens with out a warrant is illegal, yet plain clothed cops can get away with it because their identity is protected.

I would like to hear from a criminal lawyer who has experience with the type of spying that is done in Australia. It would also be very interesting and mysterious to hear from an ex undercover cop and to hear his side of the illegal tactics our undercover cops are involved in.

If the AFL wants to clean up their act, they must do more testing based on a random system to avoid victimising individuals. Ben Cousins will eventually get tested and his treatment will be fair and equal to all other sports people. He would have been out a long time ago, along with a few others. The AFL must not rely on potentially biased, anonymous and unaccountable undercover cops to do their job.

The AFL is responsible for the mess they are in and develop a one strike random testing policy, not Ben. The cops are responsible for arresting and charging a person who did not break the law, not Ben.

This would be an interesting article, as the cops could have ruined an innocent person’s lively hood. “maybe not so innocent, but who am I to judge, and surly he must first break the law”

Posted by Shane Wednesday 14 November, 2007 09:12 AM

Ben Cousins has had a witch hunt against him from the AFL and the police and the latest bungle is a classic example. Without this he would just have had to front the AFL. What we do in our private life is our business and it is classic Channel 9 to dig up dirt onBen as they a re are in a war with 7 over the AFL rights and nothing more . Leave Ben alone.

Posted by Steven Carter Wednesday 14 November, 2007 08:53 AM

in my opinion, put him in jail were a drug addict belongs what a loser!

Posted by steve Wednesday 14 November, 2007 08:42 AM

I personaly believe the police got it right.....
And dont believe for one minute he was delivering food.......

Posted by Megg Wednesday 14 November, 2007 08:40 AM

Who the hell is Ben Cousins?

Posted by Natalie Wednesday 14 November, 2007 08:14 AM

Re-instate Ben at WCE; re-instate the loyalty he has earned and so rightly deserves; WCE's have always had the X factor, don't destroy it... nuture it and preserve the club as the stand-out club it is; WCE's must stick together and be strong and that includes Ben; From 16 years of age to now... who derserves the support more... Ben does!!

Posted by Toni Wednesday 14 November, 2007 08:08 AM

About time. And tell me why the Major Crime Squad doesn't have more important things to do than pull over a car that is allegedly driving a bit "erratically"?

Posted by Al Wednesday 14 November, 2007 07:18 AM

get a life west australia. in my opinion cousins should be in jail, not on the front page of your newspapers. He's a drug addict. When Wendal Sailor was tested positive for cocaine on the eve of the rugby super 14 finals, he was imediately released from his contract and banned from playing rugby for 2 years. The AFL management are a bunch of girls.

Posted by Dave Wednesday 14 November, 2007 07:11 AM

I really love my football but don't give a toss about people (be it AFL or anyone) who make decisions to take drugs....he is a big boy he made his own choices..

TO MR & MRS COUSINS....DON'T LISTEN TO ALL THE CRAP PEOPLE WILL WRITE...YOU ARE GOOD PEOPLE AND ARE CERTAINLY NOT TO BLAME FOR ANY OF HIS ACTIONS.....LIKE ALL OF US WE CAN TEACH OUR CHILDREN AND IF THEY VIA FROM THE PATH WE TAUGHT ONTO A DIFFERENT JOURNEY....SO BE IT....HAVE STRENGTH AND STAY AWAY FROM THE MEDIA .....THEY WILL EAT YOU ALIVE..

Posted by Cindy Tuesday 13 November, 2007 09:30 PM

Doug, I TOTALLY agree. The West in particular have a thing for sensationalistic journalism.and the cops have no idea, I mean, I got busted for doing 6 kms over in a completely straight piece of road with no hint of danger (schools, pedestrians) in sight, yet gangs have fights in suburbs and they're picking on Cousins. leave him alone and let him get better

Posted by Bruce Tuesday 13 November, 2007 04:16 PM

One would suggest that it is time to leave Ben Cousins off the front and back pages of the West Australian and let him and his family work at Ben getting his health and sense of direction back on track.

The continuing beat-up serves no purpose other than to get the writers name in the paper and look for headlines, which at best are manufactured re-hashes of prior reporting.

Okay, so the WA Police stuffed up again.

News would be if they did something right, other than man Booze buses, speed cameras and other forms of revenue raising at the demand of this overtaxing Government.

Leave Ben Cousins alone for a while.

Posted by Doug Brown Tuesday 13 November, 2007 03:33 PM

"Good luck trying to get a win from the Dawkers"...?

hey Collene... who are the dawkers? The only team I know of are The Dockers, and I must have been lucky because if memory serves me correctly, they beat the Eagles are targeted the "bad eggs" in your team, Chick, Kerr and Cousins... seemed to work well and was a great win... Suffer in your jocks

Posted by Dockerman Tuesday 13 November, 2007 02:08 PM

Hey Debbie-I hope you are an Eagles member-then us supporters waiting in the wings can have your rmembership-bring it on-we don't need hanger ons like you that only supports the team when it wins. Good luck trying o get a win from the Dawkers.tThe Eagles did what they were forced to do, I love Ben and will always support him as much as I support the Eagles

Posted by collene castle Tuesday 13 November, 2007 01:51 PM

He was obviously distressed at being dumped by his beloved Eagles, hence the drug binge, if he can get clean he should be taken back

Posted by Raelene Butterly Tuesday 13 November, 2007 01:22 PM

the man is an addict - everyone needs to remember this and hope that he and evry other addict gets the treatment they need to get off this scourge. Being able to play footie again is a major incentive !!!

Posted by cyril Tuesday 13 November, 2007 12:30 PM

In my opinion, Ben has made his priorities known,
1. Drugs
2. Drug dealers
3. Other people taking copious amounts of drugs
4. Football
5. Family
He needs to rethink his priorities and keep himself out of the news and find something to stimulate his brain... what's left of it anyway

Posted by Sam Tuesday 13 November, 2007 11:42 AM

Its about time someone wiped that smug smile off the spoilt brats face, we are so sick of seeing it. I hope he never plays AFL footy again, give some other young star in waiting a chance, Ben has had his. Go back to rehab Ben!!

Posted by FiFi Tuesday 13 November, 2007 11:37 AM

This is a disgrace... the guy has been targeted and i for one am fuming!!!

Posted by Johnno Tuesday 13 November, 2007 11:03 AM

I think we have focused on Ben long enough, i think we should look at all the other sports. I think theres a lot more taking drugs than just Ben. The Eagles have lost me as a supportor. I will follow the DOCKERS now.

Posted by Debbie Tuesday 13 November, 2007 06:09 AM

I agree. If we keep this up, we'll be talking about it for a couple more years. World war three could break out, yet we wouldn't know because the media is more interested in Ben Cousins. I'm bored.

Posted by Timmy Monday 12 November, 2007 02:15 PM

Aren't we sick of hearing about Ben Cousins and his drug problems.
Most would agree it takes months to years to get over a drug problem, not three weeks in a rehab. Other players have spent more time on the bench for injuries.
I am totally fed up with the bias media he is getting because he USED to play good footy.
Forget Ben and get on with good footy. There are heaps of brilliant players out there that are not getting a smidgeon of the air time for their brilliance that Ben is getting for his bulls**t behavior. Move on!!!!!

Posted by Gaz Monday 12 November, 2007 12:40 PM

he is a bloody idiot i mean 3 weeks in rehab to cure yourself of drugs yeah rite if you are stupid to take drugs then you have to deal with the consequences i hope he never plays football again i am sick of hearing and seeing his face on tv and newspapers they are more important issues and people than him in the world and eagles will be fine without him they don't need all the bulls""t hounding the club
go the eagles

Posted by kaz Sunday 11 November, 2007 08:45 PM

Any recreational Drug user no matter who they are, are complete f**k wits. He gets everything he deserves. Plain and simple.

Posted by Flossie Sunday 11 November, 2007 11:32 AM

There was a previous blog that claimed most people posting blogs re the Cousins Saga were males who jealous of Benny's ability/wealth/popularity blah blah.
I put it to you that most of the bloggers were hormonally driven females who were transfixed by his pecs and boyish charms

Posted by Dave Saturday 10 November, 2007 08:23 PM

And, to all those people who whined that Ben should be left alone, that he should be treated as innocent until proven guilty, I hope you have enough evidence now.
GUILTY!

Posted by Dave Saturday 10 November, 2007 08:20 PM

Stop blamiing the media for Cousin's behaviour. He has had more opportunity handed to him at 29 than most people will see in a lifetime. He has chosen to waste these. His situation was not bestowed upon him - it was Ben's choice. If his AFL career is over, bad luck. Stop looking for public sympathy for this spoiled brat.
I extend my sympathy to his dad Brian, who has publicly defended him, stood by him, and helped him, only to be betrayed.
Ben is not a hero, and the media should stop portaying him as such. He is an example of someone who does not value how much he has. He should be used an an example of what NOT to do.

Posted by Dave Saturday 10 November, 2007 07:37 PM

Maybe now the smug look will come off his face & may start to realise that he really does have a problem.

Posted by Cas Saturday 10 November, 2007 06:54 PM

Anna,... ben just get the help you need..and for sake MEDIA leave alone or you might push him over the edge go and pick on some real crimes.....

Posted by ANNA Saturday 10 November, 2007 06:43 PM

I would just like to say that what Ben did was wrong. but for GODS SAKE MEDIA LEAVE HIM ALONE. Hasnt he suffered enough and he is trying to get better. But with the MEDIA HOUNDING HIM ALL THE TIME. what chance has he got. LEAVE HIM ALONE and start looking at other AFL clubs...GOOD LUCK BEN I HOPE YOU MAKE IT

Posted by beryl Saturday 10 November, 2007 10:51 AM

Ben, I wish you all the best in your struggle to overcome this adversity that you have on your shoulders. I just wish all the media would leave you alone to deal with your problem in private!
You are strong enough to overcome this, give it to 'em buddy!

Posted by ann roberts Saturday 10 November, 2007 10:50 AM

I hope this is all just media hype. Ben is going through a terrible time and our thoughts are with him. I'm sure the guts that took him to the top in AFL will help him fight this. Stay strong Bennie.

Posted by Chris Saturday 10 November, 2007 08:17 AM

Wishing You All The Best Ben

Posted by Michelle Saturday 10 November, 2007 07:22 AM

Ben Cousins is my hero, he is doing so much for Rugby union, all his football superstar antics is making Rugby look like a real rolemodels code, not some drug fuelled AFL Code, Thaks Ben, keep up the good work. Looking forward to reading abouth your next Nuclear Bender, great entainment.

Posted by Blayne Saturday 10 November, 2007 07:05 AM