The AFL‘s chief executive Gillon McLachlan has made an unprecedented pledge to the family of Ben Cousins, saying that the organisation will fund any drug treatment program or rehab facility that can help the fallen star.
McLachlan has not publicly commented, however, a source close to the family told the Herald Sun that “The AFL has made clear they are here to help Ben, and if he can get to rehab they have put aside money to support him.”
Per the Herald Sun’s report, McLachlan spoke to Ben’s father Bryan Cousins privately several months ago, believing that the sport has an obligation to assist one of its legends, and the offer remains open-ended.
The 38-year-old faced court this week over breaching a violence order, and told a News Corp reporter outside the hearing that he had no home to go to as he is currently “living out of a backpack.”
He told jouralist Sarah Blake: “I move between three mates’ houses, spend time on different couches. There’s a lady I knock around with these days who I stay with, otherwise I just move on to another place.”
Former West Coast Eagles player and Brownlow Medallist Cousins has spent much of the past decade struggling with drug addiction, and has lost most of the fortune he amassed during his playing days, including five properties.
He is due to face Armidale Magistrates Court again next week in relation to a separate charge, and fears he may spend Christmas this year in jail.
