Should AFL players be suspended 1st strike for drugs?

Question

I believe players like Ben Cousins and his team-mates have brought the greatest sport in to dispute and should have to pay the price and miss a couple of years.

Answer 1

no way what they need is help and support just because they are famous and high profile doesnt mean they are not human yes its not good they were on drugs im sure they know that but if you understood adiction then youd know that it could happen to anyone..... and guess what i really mean anyone? think about that every one has there own opinion and thats fine they should not be suspended for a few years sometimes its the great things in your life that you can hold onto that actually help you get thru the hard times

Answer 2

Yes, they are in a position where they should be setting an example for the kids and fans.  If people such as Ben Cousins are seen to be doing drugs, kids will think if they can do it, why can't I.  Also any normal person would be thrown in jail for doing what Ben Cousins and what other players have done (not just the drug incidents), they seem to get away with things just because they are slightly famous.

Answer 3

Yes, I believe that they should, as long as there is a commitment from the AFL and the club to assist in their rehabilitation after the suspension.  The Ben Cousins situation clearly shows that the AFL's current policy is clearly not working.  Wendall Sailor gets the boot for two years on the first strike, Chris Anderson (NBA) gets a two year suspension on the first strike, even baseballers get suspensions on the first strike (I think it's ten games from memory) and AFL footballers get the kid glove treatment, and two second chances.  If the AFL wants to be considered an elite athletic competition, they need to hold their athletes to the same standards as other competitions, otherwise it will continue to be a glorified "bush league".

Answer 4

i know even hungry jacks had brought out a meal its called the west coast whopper it comes with free coke and ice

Answer 5

well I think that it is fair for those that take rec drugs and steroids etc, to be kicked out of the game, but maybe a 2nd chance if something is taken like a headache tablet, not done to enhance themselves but by accident either by themselves or team doctor, mistakes can be made we are only human.  The drugs list is ever growing it is not surprising that things get taken that were once safe but are no longer.

Drugs would not be such a issue if the young players coming up the ranks are made to go to work and get themselves a trade etc such as the former players had done in the 50's and 60's etc this will teach them how to respect themselves and others and they will soon find that if they do drugs they will not only loose their club they will loose their jobs as well and they will have nothing to fall back on. the jobs should continue on through their careers.

Answer 6

Trevor Marmalade's jokes aside... The AFL's stance on drugs is a bizarre one. Alistair Lynch was publicly named and suspended for 12 matches over a decage ago for taking a drug that helped him with his diagnosed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, yet in recent times, 3 players have tested positive for drugs on two occasions each, and the AFLPA has sought legal action to block the names of these players. The AFL should name the players that have tested positive for drugs, whether illicit or performance enhancing, but rather than ban them for life from playing the sport, they should be suspended from all levels of competition and enforce a rehabilitation program for the player. By all means, ban them if they're repeat offenders, or refuse to enter rehab. Also, they should be named, because not only do the sponsors of clubs and the AFL in general have a right to know, but so do Club Members.

Answer 7

afl is the pussiest sport ive ever seen, go NRL!

Answer 8

yes

the afl and police are just to soft on people who comit crimes which is what he has done

Answer 9

they should have a  few games and more if they havent recovered but i think great players like ben cousins cannot be taken out of the game because of it.

Answer 10

yes it should be first stike!!! out!!!

what sort of message is that sending telling kids its ok to do it twice before it affects your future