Ben Cousins has opened up about his experience in prison in a rare interview on Wednesday.
The Brownlow Medalist and former West Coast great 45, was jailed on six separate occasions over 13 years.
Cousins appeared on Melbourne’s breakfast program, Fifi, Fev & Nick, and openly discussed how he was treated by his fellow inmates.
‘There was a bit of everything, really. You know, if you haven’t been there before, it’s one of those things that you don’t know what really what to expect,’ he revealed.
Referring to an incident where he was attacked by another inmate, he added: ‘At some stage, that will probably find you, no matter who you are… but you meet people from all walks of life, but the novelty wears off pretty quick.’
Ben Cousins candidly spoke about his experience in prison in a rare interview on Wednesday
‘But you make the most of a tough situation and find a way.’
Ben won the Brownlow Medal in 2005 and captained the West Coast Eagles from 2001 to 2005, securing the club’s best and fairest awards four out of those season.
He played 238 games and booted 205 goals for the West Coast Eagles, where he won a premiership with the club in 2006.
His public battles began in 2007 when rumours surfaced about his drug use amid incidents like abandoning his car to evade police and being found asleep outside a casino.
The Brownlow Medalist and six-time All Australian, 45, was jailed on six separate occasions over 13 years
Ben appeared on Melbourne’s breakfast program, Fifi, Fev & Nick, and openly discussed how he was treated by his fellow inmates
Despite efforts at rehabilitation, including stints in costly US rehab facilities, his struggles persisted, culminating in multiple arrests and legal issues.
Cousins continued to play professional football, even after being suspended from the AFL in 2007. He joined Richmond in 2009 but retired after two seasons.
Cousins’ personal life also saw turbulence, with relationships strained and legal issues involving his former partner and children.
‘There was a bit of everything, really. You know, if you haven’t been there before, it’s one of those things that you don’t know what really what to expect,’ he revealed
Cousins has begun to rebuild his life of late and is now working at Channel 7 as a sports newsreader in Perth three times a week.
He has also joined a Perth radio breakfast team on Mix94.5.
Ben will debut on the Seven hit show Dancing With the Stars later this year.
He also recently joined WAFL club Perth Demons to be a part-time mentor the team’s under 19s side.
He has also volunteered at several events in and around Perth with community group KALT Collective, which helps disadvantaged youths, addicts and reformed criminals.
Cousins has begun to rebuild his life of late and is now working at Channel 7 as a sports newsreader in Perth three times a week
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