MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Grant Thomas, coach of St Kilda, speaks at a press conference after the AFL Second Elimination Final between the St Kilda Saints and the Melbourne Demons at the Melbourne Cricket Ground September 8, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)
Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has slammed the AFL over its treatment of troubled former star Ben Cousins.
Counsins was in the news against last night, with reports that the premiership player and 2005 Brownlow Medalist, was taken to hospital following an incident with Police, in which he was reportedly attempting to direct traffic in the middle of a busy highway.
Thomas wrote on Twitter that the league should have done far more to help Cousins, who has a history of drug abuse.
"We've been hearing about Ben Cousin' massive downward spiral for years but AFL don't want a bar of it. Another incident overnight," Thomas wrote.
"AFL only interested in society initiatives that promote their brand. Not interested in "real" issues. Too hard. Want distance. Damage brand."
Cousins played 238 games for the Eagles, before being sacked by the club in 2007 due to off-field issues. He then joined the Tigers in 2009, after a 12-month lay-off from AFL football, playing 32 games in two seasons with his new club.