Ben Cousins spoke about his experiences in prison in a rare interview on Wednesday.
The Brownlow Medalist and former West Coast Great 45 was jailed six times over a 13-year period.
Cousins appeared on Melbourne’s breakfast show, Fifi, Fev & Nick, and openly discussed how he was treated by his fellow inmates.
‘Actually there was a bit of everything. You know, if you haven’t been there before, it’s one of those things where you don’t know what to really expect,” he revealed.
Referring to an incident where he was attacked by another inmate, he added: ‘At some point you’ll probably find that no matter who you are… but you meet people from all walks of life but the novelty is there quite a bit. fast.’
Ben Cousins spoke candidly about his experiences in prison in a rare interview on Wednesday
“But you make the best of a difficult 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 for four of that season.
He played 238 games and scored 205 goals for the West Coast Eagles, winning a premiership with the club in 2006.
His public battle began in 2007 when rumors surfaced about his drug use amid incidents such as abandoning his car to avoid police and being found sleeping outside a casino.
The Brownlow medalist and six-time All Australian, 45, was jailed six times in a 13-year period
Ben appeared on Melbourne’s breakfast show, Fifi, Fev & Nick, and openly discussed how he was treated by his fellow inmates
Despite attempts at rehabilitation, including stays in expensive American rehabilitation centers, his struggle continued, 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.
The cousins’ personal lives also saw turbulence, with strained relationships and legal troubles involving his former partner and children.
‘Actually there was a bit of everything. You know, if you haven’t been there before, it’s one of those things where you don’t know what to really expect,” he revealed.
Cousins has recently started rebuilding his life and now works at Channel 7 as a sports newsreader in Perth three times a week.
He has also joined a radio breakfast team in Perth on Mix94.5.
Ben will debut in Seven’s hit show Dancing With the Stars later this year.
He also recently joined WAFL club Perth Demons as a part-time mentor for the under-19s.
He has also volunteered at various events in and around Perth with community group KALT Collective, which helps disadvantaged youth, addicts and reformed criminals.
Cousins has recently begun to rebuild his life and now works at Channel 7 three times a week as a sports newsreader in Perth