SEN Western Australian correspondent Tim Gossage said that people close to former West Coast star Ben Cousins have indicated the recent reports about his welfare are wide of the mark.
Cousins spent three months at the Eagles in a Community and Game Development role as part of his parole condition following two drug related charges and breaching his restraining order against his ex-partner.
Gossage revealed that West Coast wanted to keep the 2005 Brownlow Medallist at the club following the conclusion of his stint and that people close to Cousins refuted claims of concerns regarding his health and welfare.
“West Coast were keen for him to continue." he told SEN Afternoons.
Trevor Nisbett said in an ideal world we would keep Ben here because he was starting to make a bit of a difference and it was good to have him around the football club.
“But he elected that it wasn’t for him and it wasn’t the role that he wanted and he has moved on.
“As for concerns for his welfare, I’ve spoken to several people who are connected to Ben and they certainly didn’t express those concerns to me.
“Let’s just hope this is a life change for Ben. Yes he has got on-going issues but as far as the West Coast Eagles were concerned they couldn’t drag him kicking and screaming there for any longer.
“He had served his time and was happy to move on. We haven’t heard anything from the contrary in Perth and we normally find out pretty quick.
“He didn’t miss a beat and was always there when needed.
“He didn’t have much to do with the playing group per se but when you speak to the right people at the Eagles, yes they wanted him to stick around, and yes they thought that would have been in his best long term interests.
“But whether there is an underlying story of controversy and drama unfolding I’m not privy to that.”
Listen to Tim Gossage discuess the reports surrounding Ben Cousins' welfare in the player below