http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/cousin ... -17el.html
Cousins is in rehab in LA, says Dad
Ben Cousins' father has accused the media of fabricating stories about his son being missing in the United States, saying the fallen West Coast AFL star is receiving treatment in Los Angeles.
Reports suggested Cousins had failed to turn up for rehabilitation treatment in Malibu and was missing.
"As a parent, I am disappointed that it is necessary for me to make a statement today about Ben's welfare due to the ongoing fabricated stories and blatant untruths that have appeared in the media today," his father, Bryan Cousins, told reporters in Perth.
"The facts are these: Ben is not missing and has not been missing at any time whilst in the US.
"I and my family have spoken to him regularly.
"And I spoke to him myself late last night.
"I have always known exactly where he is.
"He is currently receiving treatment in Los Angeles at an appropriate facility, and he will be attending The Summit Medical Centre in the next few days," Mr Cousins said.
Reading a statement in a park in the southern Perth suburb of Booragoon, Cousins' father choked back tears and was clearly emotional as he explained his son's situation.
"He will be there for a period of time that will be determined by the Summit medical staff," he said.
"He has not missed any pre-arranged appointment with Summit.
"The plan of treatment that Ben is currently undergoing was arranged some months ago, and was confirmed prior to Ben leaving Australia.
"These arrangements were made with the full consultation of the Summit medical staff, our own medical advisers and Ben.
"Finally, I would like to add that I have learned that rehabilitation is a complex and arduous process that requires continual review and is best dealt with in private.
"The ill-informed comments and the harassment by the media and others will not assist his rehabilitation."
Mr Cousins refused to take any questions from the media.
Cousins was sacked by the West Coast Eagles after a string of off-field incidents, some of them drug-related.
The final straw came when his car was pulled over by police in central Perth last month and Cousins refused to submit to a driver assessment.
What later turned out to be prescription drugs were found in the vehicle.
A drug possession charge against the player was dropped and a Perth magistrate two weeks ago adjourned the case so that Cousins could return to the US for another stint of drug rehabilitation.