Talkin Sport

Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject: Cousins allowed to play again
The rehabilitation of former West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins is almost complete, with the AFL Commission approving his return to the competition for the 2009 season.
Cousins was de-registered by the AFL last year for bringing the game into disrepute.
He is now eligible to nominate for next month's preseason draft.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou outlined a series of conditions upon which Cousins's returns will hinge.
He says all the medical advice he has received indicates that Cousins is fit to make a successful return to top-flight football.
"On our best medical advice and reports we've seen, he's made real progress," he said.
"He wants to play football again. And he's been given the green light to play football subject to the conditions which will be stringent, and we wish him well."
Cousins will be subject to an unprecedented level of scrutiny to ensure he does not slip through the net of AFL drug-testing, as he did during his initial fall from grace.
If the AFL wishes it can take urine samples up to three times a week and hair samples up to four times a season.
"Ben Cousins must co-operate fully with any request to provide a sample for testing, co-operate fully with any instruction or direction in relation to the provision of such samples," Mr Demetriou said.
"Ben Cousins must not fail to provide a sample immediately upon request; delay, hinder or obstruct the taking of a sample, or tamper with any sample."
If Cousins does not fully cooperate with the AFL's testers, including complying with any rehabilitation or education programs they recommend, the league will have the power to immediately suspend Cousins.
Cousins has been linked with both St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions, with both clubs confirming they are interested in having the former Eagles skipper on their books.
Upon hearing of the news that Cousins is free to play again, the Saints released a statement saying they were pleased and would follow a process of due diligence on the matter but would not be making any further comment at this stage. _________________
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