Ben Cousins

[locky801]

Inn regards to his hair testing, he in fact was completely bald, was reported today that Cousins in fact had his body waxed free of all hair, I presume the only hair that could find was a nose hair

[Mr66]

Just wondering, what is it he was found guilty of?

Price fixing (to the tune of approx $800M) involving his company Visyboard.
Was fined $30m.



.......hang on.....I think I've got the wrong crook.....

[McAlmanac]

.. I have my hair shorter than 3cm as well. It's not a crime to have short hair and it's not Cousins' fault that the testing systems in place are so obviously flawed.
By the way i don't think you could suggest that Cousins having short hair and waxing his body is something he has done to avoid a test. It's nothing new.

In this context he has an obligation to present so that sampling is possible, and knows that, and doing otherwise is thus being provocative.
So, they have rightly reminded him of his obligation if he wants to be a registered player.
Fashion doesn't over-ride that obligation.

Does that obligation extend to all players in the AFL?

This is clearly another make-it-up-as-you-go rule from the AFL.

[Dirko]

.. I have my hair shorter than 3cm as well. It's not a crime to have short hair and it's not Cousins' fault that the testing systems in place are so obviously flawed.
By the way i don't think you could suggest that Cousins having short hair and waxing his body is something he has done to avoid a test. It's nothing new.

In this context he has an obligation to present so that sampling is possible, and knows that, and doing otherwise is thus being provocative.
So, they have rightly reminded him of his obligation if he wants to be a registered player.
Fashion doesn't over-ride that obligation.

Does that obligation extend to all players in the AFL?

This is clearly another make-it-up-as-you-go rule from the AFL.

Exactly...who the hell can tell a player how to have his hair. Geez if that was the case why the hell didn't the AFL suspend Nathan Carroll for bringing his hair into disrepute....

[rod_rooster]

.. I have my hair shorter than 3cm as well. It's not a crime to have short hair and it's not Cousins' fault that the testing systems in place are so obviously flawed.
By the way i don't think you could suggest that Cousins having short hair and waxing his body is something he has done to avoid a test. It's nothing new.

In this context he has an obligation to present so that sampling is possible, and knows that, and doing otherwise is thus being provocative.
So, they have rightly reminded him of his obligation if he wants to be a registered player.
Fashion doesn't over-ride that obligation.

Does that obligation extend to all players in the AFL?

This is clearly another make-it-up-as-you-go rule from the AFL.

Exactly...who the hell can tell a player how to have his hair. Geez if that was the case why the hell didn't the AFL suspend Nathan Carroll for bringing his hair into disrepute....

Now that is a very valid point. Nathan Carroll brings the game into disrepute by his appearance, his performance and his behaviour off the field. He is a massive d1ckhead.

[Psyber]

...Does that obligation extend to all players in the AFL?
This is clearly another make-it-up-as-you-go rule from the AFL.

No it is a specific policy for a known addict defining specific terms under which they are prepared to register him. The AFL have that right, and he can walk away if he doesn't like it.
I assume the AFL could if it wished set a dress and grooming code as a registration requirement, but it would probably then have to hire somebody who could teach the skills..

I'm surprised anyone but another addict would think the terms are unfair!

[silicone skyline]

Heard Brissy has pulled out with only the Saints the last known interested club left in the hunt.

[Dirko]

Heard Brissy has pulled out with only the Saints the last known interested club left in the hunt.

Yep Gardiner is looking forward to a deal.....

[mypaddock]

Can only see things go downhill again for Ben if he does go to the Saints. Gardiner wouldn't be the best influence on him one would imagine.

[Rik E Boy]

Can only see things go downhill again for Ben if he does go to the Saints. Gardiner wouldn't be the best influence on him one would imagine.

FFS How old is this guy? If someone is a 'bad influence on him' then Cousins does not represent a wise investment for any club. He needs to grow TF up.

regards,

REB

[Psyber]

Can only see things go downhill again for Ben if he does go to the Saints. Gardiner wouldn't be the best influence on him one would imagine.

FFS How old is this guy? If someone is a 'bad influence on him' then Cousins does not represent a wise investment for any club. He needs to grow TF up.
regards,
REB

The famous French Psychologist, Piaget, claimed that adolescence lasts till age 25 - he is probably right.
Some people never mature past about 16 emotionally...

[McAlmanac]

I have no problem with the number of times Cousins will be tested as this can be applied to all players, but will all players be required to have 3cm of hair? A drink driver can regain his full licence via P plates in the same way as any first time unregistered person does. The same rule for the drink driver who has completed his suspension as the first timer. Maybe playing AFL is a more serious and dangerous concern than driving on the road?

The AFL needs a set of rules that applies to all players in the competition.

[Psyber]

I have no problem with the number of times Cousins will be tested as this can be applied to all players, but will all players be required to have 3cm of hair? A drink driver can regain his full licence via P plates in the same way as any first time unregistered person does. The same rule for the drink driver who has completed his suspension as the first timer. Maybe playing AFL is a more serious and dangerous concern than driving on the road?

The AFL needs a set of rules that applies to all players in the competition.

3cm of hair required? - depends what they want to test them for as a condition of their registration with the AFL.
They can say that in an individual's case the deal is they are in a condition to supply the required sample at any time.

In your comparison with drink-driving, you are confusing guilt under law with a private contract of employment, Mc.
The presumption of innocence applies when one is charged with an offence against the law.
In a private contract, between individuals or organisations, the parties negotiate a contract and the presumption of innocence is irrelevent.
The same could apply with Telstra negotiating to offer a contract to a new CEO.

[McAlmanac]

One of the conditions required of Cousins is hair tests. You need 3cm of length to provide a valid sample.

Fair call re contract v law - it does reinforce the notion that the AFL considers itself holier than the law. Footballers have a union (AFLPA) who have negotiated a collective bargaining agreement - they had input into the existing drug testing policy and it will be interesting to see their stance as time moves on.

[Psyber]

One of the conditions required of Cousins is hair tests. You need 3cm of length to provide a valid sample.

Fair call re contract v law - it does reinforce the notion that the AFL considers itself holier than the law. Footballers have a union (AFLPA) who have negotiated a collective bargaining agreement - they had input into the existing drug testing policy and it will be interesting to see their stance as time moves on.

I'm aware one activist from the Saints has been outspoken in opposing off season testing ever being part of the agreed deal.
I sometimes wonder about that in relation to his not performing to his potential consistently.
Cousins' return to the AFL list after suspension is a special case subject to individual negotiation.
It is not part of the agreement with the AFLPA for the routine testing of existing registered players.

[The Big Shrek]

Whatever happened to letting people live their life?

What has taking recreational drugs got to do with playing football?

I still maintain that testing for recreational drugs has no place in sport. If it's not cheating the AFL shouldn't have the authority to police it. The government should pass a law about that. In fact, if the govt. passed a law that applied purely to an individual like the AFL have done, there is a good chance it would beunconstitutional.

Graham Cornes was right about Cousins being a cheap pick up with little risk. If he does fail a drug test how does that reflect on his new club. It's hardly their fault that he has an addiction. It's stupid that clubs are being scared off helping someone because of this fear. It's cowardice.

[Psyber]

Whatever happened to letting people live their life?

What has taking recreational drugs got to do with playing football?

I still maintain that testing for recreational drugs has no place in sport. If it's not cheating the AFL shouldn't have the authority to police it. The government should pass a law about that. In fact, if the govt. passed a law that applied purely to an individual like the AFL have done, there is a good chance it would beunconstitutional.

Graham Cornes was right about Cousins being a cheap pick up with little risk. If he does fail a drug test how does that reflect on his new club. It's hardly their fault that he has an addiction. It's stupid that clubs are being scared off helping someone because of this fear. It's cowardice.

Would you also apply that to the police, the doctors treating your family, and the teachers who teach the kids?
Should those employing people to drive heavy machinery, or work at heights, or with dangerous [and valuable] equipment not be able to ensure they are not turning up still affected by the weekend's "recreation"? Similarly, those who employ highly paid players are entitled to have turning up fit to perform in the contract and check on it.

[Dog_ger]

Maybe St Kilda are re-thinking their options also....

[stan]

Maybe St Kilda are re-thinking their options also....

probably not, they take anything these days.

[Punk Rooster]

Whatever happened to letting people live their life?

What has taking recreational drugs got to do with playing football?

I still maintain that testing for recreational drugs has no place in sport. If it's not cheating the AFL shouldn't have the authority to police it. The government should pass a law about that. In fact, if the govt. passed a law that applied purely to an individual like the AFL have done, there is a good chance it would beunconstitutional.

Graham Cornes was right about Cousins being a cheap pick up with little risk. If he does fail a drug test how does that reflect on his new club. It's hardly their fault that he has an addiction. It's stupid that clubs are being scared off helping someone because of this fear. It's cowardice.

i believe that recreationa;l drugs may act as a masking agent for performance enhancing drugs, hence the attempt on blanket bans.
Someone made the comment to me recently about a former Glenelg player, who was skinny as a rake, yet 12 months at Carlton, was vastly more "built"...