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Cousins can’t quite quit the clowning

By Mr Dandalooa

Embattled AFL footballer Ben Cousins has again apologised for another off-filed indiscretion and admits that he let Richmond down.

Cousins, 32, a recovering drug addict, was one of four Tigers players suspended by Richmond for misbehaviour at Sydney’s Intercontinental Hotel following the club’s third loss this season, against Sydney Swans.

Richmond’s leadership group handed down the suspensions to utility Daniel Connors, who has been suspended for eight weeks for unsociable behaviour, which included being intoxicated; while Luke McGuane, Dean Polo and Cousins were suspended for one week. 

They will miss Saturday’s game against Melbourne.
Connors will not be allowed to train at the club for the first six weeks of his suspension.

FootyGoss understands that part of this sanction includes him attending alcohol counselling once a week for an indefinite period.

Cousins reportedly told a radio station: “I’ve got to take responsibility.”

“It was a situation with a player where it gets away from him.

“(Connors) has to put his hand up to say that he did it.”

Connors said he was extremely disappointed in his actions and regrets the “stupid decisions I made on the night”.

“I apologise to all Richmond members and supporters, my team mates, club officials and the guests at the Intercontinental Hotel, who were subjected to my behaviour,” he said.

“Over the next few weeks I will be doing everything I can to win back the respect of those who I have let down”.

“This has been a massive wake up call for me and I accept that I have a problem with alcohol which I need to address.”

While most FootyGoss readers would be pleased that Cousins is demanding others put their hand up to take responsibility, one wonders how many more chances this disgraced so-called footballer can get.

Cousins admitted that Connors received a black eye during attempts to restrain him.

He said he got involved and forcibly tried to slow him up. He has denied he was intoxicated during yet another off-field incident.

Richmond General Manager of Football Craig Cameron said the club would not tolerate the behaviour shown by these players, and said it has acted accordingly.

“These actions go against all the values that we set for ourselves as a club,” Cameron said.

Richmond head honcho Brendon Gale said: “Every player at this club needs to fully understand the responsibility that goes with pulling on the yellow and black jumper.”

Cousins, a former West Coast captain has already been spoken to about alleged binge drinking by Richmond officials during the off-season.