The football club president described Cousins, a former AFL superstar, who was arrested in a police swoop in Western Australia this week for allegedly carrying four grams of methylamphetamine, as an “absolute drug addict”.
“Sadly, for many addicts, there is no recovery,” Kennett said of the former star footballer.
He added: “I’d like to see him live a long life and I’d like to see his child not only grow up with a father, but a father grow up with a child.”
Cousins, who was a former West Coast and Richmond midfielder was arrested and strip-searched at Esperance Airport on
Tuesday night, and was released on bail after being charged with possession of methylamphetamine with intent to sell or supply.
The troubled Brownlow medallist was intercepted by detectives minutes after stepping off a Skywest flight at 7.15pm. It is alleged the drugs were concealed internally.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he was saddened to learn of Cousins’ continuing problems.
“There are serious charges that will be heard by a court, and it is not appropriate for the AFL to comment widely on this matter, but we are hopeful that Ben can find the structure and support to get his life in order,” he said in a statement this afternoon.
“For any person with personal issues, we would always urge that you choose to seek help and hope that those issues can be overcome with the support of friends and family.”
