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AFL West Coast Eagle star Ben Cousins has been charged with drug possession following a police search of his vehicle in Perth, police said last night.

Channel 9 reported that both Cousins and dumped Eagle Daniel Chick had been charged with drug possession.

Cousins is also understood to have been charged with refusing to submit to blood and saliva tests.

In a move that could see Cousins become the first West Australian charged under the new laws, which only came into effect on Friday, the embattled footballer was questioned by detectives at Curtin House.

PerthNow understands that Cousins was stopped by detectives earlier yesterday because of erratic driving and was taken to the police traffic branch along with Chick and a scantily clad blonde - who were also in the car.

There, Cousins allegedly refused a driver-assessment interview with police.

Because of this, police could then not demand urine or blood to test for drugs.

Cousins and Chick were then taken to Curtin House to be interviewed by detectives.

Under the new drug-impaired driving laws, people found to be driving under the influence face fines of $800-$5000, 18 months' jail, and a six-month to permanent licence disqualification.

Cousins was in his four-wheel drive when two police cars pulled it over in Aberdeen St, Northbridge, about 12.30pm (WST).

Channel 9 reporter Grant Taylor, who witnessed the arrest, said a bare-chested Cousins was handcuffed and taken away by detectives after his vehicle was searched for about 45 minutes.

He was questioned at the East Perth traffic branch, before being transferred to CIB headquarters at Curtin House before 4pm.

Cousins, wearing large sunglasses and displaying his new body tattoo "Such is life'', did not appear to be saying anything when led away.

Taylor said police conducted a thorough search of Cousins and his vehicle on the roadside.

"Police have taken Ben Cousins away, handcuffed, shirtless, into custody, taken him away for questioning after stopping him and a young woman in his car on Aberdeen St,'' Taylor said.

Cousins, a former skipper and Brownlow Medal winner with the Eagles, was with Eagles legend Chris Mainwaring hours before he died earlier this month.

He was a pall-bearer at last week's funeral.

Eagles communications manager Gary Stocks said he was not aware of the reason for the arrest.

"I haven't been told what he has been arrested in relation to,'' Stocks said.

He said no one from the club had yet spoken to Cousins.

Cousins' father, Bryan, and the footballer's former girlfriend, Samantha Druce, arrived at Curtin House after first checking in at the traffic branch.

They were accompanied by Cousins' lawyer, Peter Momber.

Ben Cousins will fight drug charges

DISGRACED West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins will return to rehab in the United States before fighting the drug charge in Perth that has cost him his career.

Cousins' plans were revealed in court today as Prime Minister John Howard backed the Eagles' decision to sack him and AFL chief Andrew Demetriou cast doubt on whether the 2005 Brownlow medallist will ever play top-level football again.

Cousins wore silver-studded jeans, a white shirt unbuttoned to half way down his chest and blue snakeskin boots when he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court today.

Tight-lipped and red-eyed, Cousins did not say a word when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Steven Heath on a charge of possessing a prohibited drug.

The 29-year-old was charged after police pulled him over for driving erratically on Tuesday. He has also been charged with failing to comply with a requirement to undergo a driver assessment.

Drug rehabilitation

Mr Heath agreed to a 90-day adjournment on $1000 bail so that Cousins, who has never tested positive for illicit drugs, could return to drug rehabilitation in the United States at an undisclosed date.

Outside the court today, Cousins' lawyer Shane Brennan said the footballer would fight the charges after he returned to court on January 21, 2008.

"These charges will all be vigorously defended and they are without basis,'' Mr Brennan said.

Conditions "breached"

Cousins was suspended indefinitely by the Eagles seven months ago and subsequently entered drug rehab in California.

Cousins returned to the club on condition he agree to a zero tolerance clause to testing positive to banned substances and did not fall foul of the law.

Those conditions were allegedly breached on Tuesday when a bare-chested Cousins was arrested in his car in the busy inner Perth suburb of Northbridge.

Cousins "sick"

Following his arrest and charging, West Coast sacked the star for an "accumulation of incidents'' which included fleeing from a booze bus test last year.

Eagles chief Trevor Nesbitt said Cousins was sick, needed help, and the club's decision was in the best interests of his health.

"It was probably one of the most painful (decisions) in the history of the club,'' Nesbitt said last night.

"Great tragedy"

Mr Howard described Cousins' predicament as "a great tragedy''.

"He's a very talented player, he's a wonderful athlete,'' Mr Howard told ABC Radio.

"I hope for his sake that he can get over his drug problem, I hope for his family's sake ... that they, together, can work through it.

"But I don't think the West Coast Eagles had any alternative.''

"May never play top-level football"

By sacking Cousins, West Coast has probably ended the prospect of any further punishment by the AFL, which threatened the club with loss of draft picks or premiership points if any player was involved in drugs again.

Demetriou said today Cousins may never again play top-level football.

"I think it's going to be really hard, really, really difficult for him to play in our competition,'' the AFL boss said from Paris.

"From our perspective the AFL has now got an obligation to manage this great competition on behalf of our stakeholders, of which there are many.

"Ben Cousins' obligation is now to go and manage his life and to get his health in order.''

Cousins out of the family

THERE is no place for Ben Cousins to play AFL football, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou told Fox Sports News.

Speaking from Paris, Demetriou said the disgraced premiership footballer and Brownlow medal winner is no longer a registered AFL player after being sacked by his West Coast club last night.

"At the end of the day, there is no place for Ben Cousins playing in the AFL competition," Demetriou told Fox Sports News.

"He has got to go away and get himself healthy, which we want him to do and im sure most people would want him to do. and we've got to get on with managing the competition," he said.

"The club, the AFL, all the medical officers have done their very best to try and help a young man get back to full health. Unfortunately it hasn't been successful.

"And from our situation and our position, we've got an obligation to our stakeholders and to the game to uphold the spirit of the game," Demetriou said.

The former West Coast captain's arrest and subsequent court appearance to face a drug possession charge was the final straw.

West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett last night confirmed there was no chance Cousins would play for the Eagles again following his latest misdemeanour.

But Cousins would continue to be offered support to overcome his issues and return to "full health" according to the AFL boss.

"He'll continue to get support I'm sure from the Eagles and from the AFL system and from our medical officers. So there's a lot of issues for the Eagles to work through, and obviously a lot of issues for us to work through."

Cousins vows to play again

By Mark Robinson
October 26, 2007

THE most controversial sporting story of the year last night took another dramatic turn when sacked West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins declared he was keen to pursue an AFL comeback.

Cousins flew into Sydney en route to Los Angeles to resume his drug rehabilitation.

But before leaving his home city of Perth, the disgraced drug user gave his most revealing interview of the year - speaking for the first time about the death of his close friend Chris Mainwaring while also telling of his desire to keep playing footy.

While talk of a comeback is sure to cause community outrage, Cousins revealed he was dealing with personal issues but also training on a daily basis in an endeavour to fast-track his return.

"Absolutely," Cousins said at Perth airport when asked if he was eager to continue his 238-game AFL career.

Expanding on that earlier in the day in his first major interview, with Channel 7, Cousins said: "Well, I'm training every day in the hope that I get an opportunity. That's all I can say about that at the moment so hopefully that gets sorted out while I'm away.

"I had the summer mapped out a long time ago. Nothing changes. I go over to get back in contact with the network I established when I was in rehab earlier in the year and keep training and hopefully come back to play a bit of footy."

Cousins told of his pain over the recent death of close friend and mentor Mainwaring.

"Obviously Chris has been a good mate of mine and I've always had my own personal issues," Cousins said.

"But, I guess, when something like that happens, it makes what I'm going through insignificant when you look at what the Mainwaring family are going through."

Looking tanned, relaxed and free of his demons, Cousins flew out to LA as several AFL clubs circled the fallen champion. Collingwood has expressed interest, with conditions. But St Kilda, Essendon and Hawthorn all said last night they would not take Cousins to their lists if he was eligible. Other clubs would not comment.

Cousins' manager Ricky Nixon has dramatically changed his opinion on Cousins' career after saying last week he feared it was over.

"It's not a matter of if, but when," Nixon said last night. "And in Victoria."

To play again, Cousins would need to convince AFL bosses he is drug free and physically and mentally fit.

Cousins, 29, will today again book in to the exclusive Summit Centre drug rehabilitation clinic in Malibu.

He said he bore no resentment to West Coast for his sacking and claimed the consequences of that and his arrest were now out of his hands.

"That's all out of my control. Listen,

I don't have any ill-feeling towards the club at all," he said. "I go away with some real fond memories," he said.

On his arrest: "I'm just hoping to go away and let the people that are in a position to sort that out do that."

Geelong president Frank Costa said he believed Cousins was capable of a return to professional football if given a fresh start at a new club.

"If he gets away from the environment where unfortunately he was tempted too much, I believe like any other young human being you're entitled to another chance," Costa said.

Many others, especially the parents of young, impressionable men, might not be so forgiving.

Fox Sports

Do you think that the AFL should allow Ben to play again in the future once he is over his drug problems?

BEN Cousins may face criminal charges in the US after the drug binge that left him unconscious and hospitalised in Los Angeles for three days.

Cousins' female companion in Los Angeles, Susie Ela, who frantically called an ambulance for the disgraced AFL star, could also face scrutiny from US authorities.

Sergeant Paul Wolcott of the Hermosa Beach Police Department, south of Los Angeles, said the case remained open and further enquiries may take place.

"I would say there is the potential for a follow-up," Sgt Wolcott said.

Cousins, 29, jetted into Los Angeles on October 27 for what was thought to be a second stint at Malibu's Summit Centre drug rehabilitation facility, but the former Brownlow Medallist and West Coast Eagles captain went off the rails.

On cocaine for five days

Ms Ela, who picked Cousins up at LA International Airport in a Mercedes-Benz sports car, called the US 911 emergency number on October 31 at 5.13am requesting medical treatment for Cousins.

Paramedics from the Hermosa Beach Fire Department, along with two Hermosa Beach police officers, arrived at her multi-million-dollar home.

According to the official emergency call sheet, Ms Ela told the operator "a 29-year-old male on cocaine was not acting right, but (was) breathing and unconscious".

She then told the operator that he "had been on cocaine for the past five days. He's not being violent. He's just scared".

Cousins was transported to LA's Little Company of Mary Hospital where he spent three days.
Sgt Wolcott said when officers are called to a potential drug overdose, the victim's welfare is the top priority.

But, he said, the case was not closed.

If the police officers had seen evidence of illegal activities, or drug residue or paraphernalia at Ms Ela's home, they would have taken appropriate action.

Sgt Wolcott added that the illegal drug taking could have taken place at a location other than Ms Ela's home.

"Just because the person was taken from that location or the 911 call occurred at that location, it does not necessarily mean that's where it was ingested," Sgt Wolcott said.

Sacked by club

Cousins was sacked by West Coast Eagles last month after a string of off-field incidents, some of them drug-related.

The final straw came when the Brownlow medallist's car was pulled over by police in central Perth last month, days after the funeral of his friend, former West Coast player Chris Mainwaring, who died in mysterious circumstances on October 1.

Cousins was later charged with refusing to submit to a driver assessment. Drugs, later found to be prescription drugs, were found in the vehicle.

A drug possession charge was dropped and a Perth magistrate adjourned the case so Cousins could return to the US for another stint of drug rehabilitation.

Cousins has since been charged by the AFL with bringing the game into disrepute.

Cousins was suspended indefinitely by West Coast just before the 2007 season and underwent several weeks of drug rehabilitation in the US.

The former club captain returned to the game midway through the year after agreeing to stringent contract conditions, including that he not test positive to drugs or fall foul of the law.

Coach's support for Cousins

Facing the media yesterday for the first time since the sacking of Cousins, but before yesterday's news unfolded, West Coast coach John Worsfold said he hoped Cousins could somehow find happiness.

"I've known Ben for a long time and I would like to know in any time in the future when I cross paths with him that he is living the life that he wants," Worsfold said.

"That might not be the life I want him to live, but I hope he's healthy and finds the happiness that he's looking for."

Cops say sorry for Cousins bungle

POLICE in Western Australia have apologised to Ben Cousins after an extraordinary error led to a traffic charge against him being dropped.

It is the second charge against the former West Coast Eagles AFL player arising from a traffic stop on October 16 to be withdrawn.

Assistant Commissioner John McRoberts today admitted police got it wrong when they charged Cousins with refusing to undergo a driver drug test after the former star footballer's vehicle was pulled over in Northbridge.

Cousins was taken to police traffic headquarters where he was assessed by a senior officer, who ordered the test.

But under new legislation which came into force days earlier, only the officer who pulls a driver over can make the assessment.

Cousins was the first person to be charged under the law, which police may seek to amend.

The problem was identified during a review of the police handling of the charges and was withdrawn on legal advice.

"I am more than happy to apologise about the laying of this charge,'' Mr McRoberts said.

"The officers acted in good faith and they thought they were doing the right thing. Unfortunately they got it wrong.''

A drug charge against Cousins arising from the same incident was dropped after police conceded there was no basis for it.

Those charges related to diazepam tablets found in Cousins' vehicle, which is classed as a prohibited substance only in liquid form.

Cousins was sacked by his club and was charged by the AFL with bringing the game in to disrepute after the police charges were laid.

West Coast Eagles spokesman Gary Stocks said the dropping of the charges would not change the club's decision.

"This development does not change the club position or the decision made to terminate Ben's contract because of repeated and serious breaches of his agreement with the club,'' he said.

"At the time the decision to terminate Ben's contract was made, it was emphasised that the decision was not dependant upon results of the police charges and that remains the situation.

"No club official will be available for further comment on this matter.''

The outstanding charge will be withdrawn later today and finalised in court tomorrow.

Cousins' lawyer Shane Brennan said today it was no surprise the second charge against Cousins had now been dropped.

"It was not unforeseen that this would occur, as with the other charge," Mr Brennan said.

Cousins had been caused obvious grief but Mr Brennan congratulated police for admitting their mistake.

"The police were dealing with new legislation, they have reviewed this quickly and I think it's unreasonable to congratulate them for dealing with this matter quickly and for coming clean," Mr Brennan said.

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone knew the brand of sunglasses Ben Cousins is wearing during his latest arrest in perth (Big black ones)

My nephew really likes them and has asked everyone and id like to get them for him for christmas but cant seem to find out what brand they are.

Thanks

Hi kburt0n9, welcome to AT

I think that the sunnies look too big and dark and not so cool. You maybe able to pick them up at Kmart or Target

Cousins loses his cool at airport

AT the end of the worst year of his life, Ben Cousins has flown back into Perth with a special Christmas message: "I hope you get run over by a f---ing car."

Cousins directed the tirade at a photographer from WA newspaper The Sunday Times who was taking his picture at the airport on Friday night as he returned home for Christmas.

Sporting dyed black hair and looking fit, Cousins has been training daily in Sydney to leave the door open for a possible return to the AFL in 2009.

He has also undergone a grilling by Judge William Gillard as part of the AFL investigation into West Coast's culture, in another sign he is setting himself for a comeback with a rival club.

Many football supporters believe the media hounding of Cousins this year has been excessive and will likely understand his frustrations, but the photographer, Theo Fakos, insists he did nothing in particular to incite the fallen star just outside the domestic airport.

"I wished him well for Christmas, I wasn't being a smart---," the award-winning photographer said. "Then he said: 'Yeah, I hope you get run over by a f---ing car'.

"I was just doing my job. Our work at times can be tricky. I'm a family man and I was genuinely wishing him a merry Christmas."

Despite the immense pressure he has been under, the outburst is a surprise - with Cousins usually keeping his cool and offering his trademark nervous grin to the media packs that have shadowed him in recent years.

Before his tumble from grace, Cousins was regarded by most of Perth's football media as a very friendly and affable bloke.

It has been the most eventful year imaginable for the 2005 Brownlow medallist since he last opened his Christmas presents.

West Coast Eagles suspended him pre-season, then post-season his shirtless arrest in Northbridge became one of the images of the year and sealed his departure from the club.

He also suffered the sadness of the death of close friend Chris Mainwaring, and transcripts of an emergency call in the US revealed he had been on a five-day cocaine bender.

News Limited

Ben Cousins breaks silence on drugs

FALLEN AFL superstar Ben Cousins has spoken about his drug addiction for the first time since he went into hiding last year.

Speaking on an anti-drugs panel hosted by boxer Anthony Mundine, Cousins - who won a Brownlow at his former club the West Coast Eagles - described himself as an educated man who learned at school that drugs could be bad.

“At the end of the day, I ran the gauntlet,” he said.

“I really don’t think I had a choice.

"I am someone who has lost my livelihood. I hurt ... my family and friends."

Cousins was speaking at Mundine's gym in Sydney's Redfern where Mundine is teaching him to fight.

Cousins was wearing a white collared shirt open at the neck with his trademark designer sunglasses hanging from it.

He also sported leather boots and jeans.

When asked about how he was coping with addiction Cousins said: "Life's good - I'm in a good place."

Mundine described Cousins’ appearance at the event as “courageous” and “admirable”.

When Mundine said that Cousins could continue his boxing lessons the AFL player joked: "I can't afford to take too many hits to the head."

Cousins also revealed he had continued his football training and hoped to be able to train with a West Australian or Victorian Club by the end of the year.

He would also fight in an exhibition match to be held before a Mundine bout soon.

News.com.au