If David Pocock isn’t the best bloke going around, then we probably don’t need to find the other guy, because he’s good enough!
After copping a three-week ban for grabbing the neck of Chiefs player Michael Leitch, Pocock responded in the best possible fashion.
No “I got a fair hearing” and I’m disappointed with the result. No trying to downgrade the charge. Just this:
Yesterday I faced the judiciary for the first time in my rugby career. I am incredibly disappointed with my actions. I endeavour to play the game I love in a way that reflects the kind of toughness and decency I think rugby can teach us.
On Saturday night I did not live up to those standards, placing Michael Leitch in danger by binding on his neck in a maul. It was not my intention to hurt Michael, but in these sorts of circumstances it is not intention that matters. I am grateful that World Rugby and SANZAAR are concerned about making the game safer for all of us.
I would like to take this opportunity to apologise again to Michael. And to apologise to the Chiefs, Brumbies and all those who follow rugby. I’d also like to apologise to my team mates who I will let down over the next few weeks while suspended.
Dave
Thanks the people who suspend him. Says sorry to the bloke he put in a necklock. Praises the authorities for stamping out the kind of behaviour that he engaged in on Saturday night.
Bravo, David, for the mature way you go about things, and the way you play the game.
James in NZ
Guest
Sorry I should have said 'after' choking someone instead of 'for'.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes they've realised that...That's all been booked for the sequel...?
Deano
Guest
That doesn't look "heartfelt" to me. I need to see it on facebook, twitter and on a glossy handout first.
taylorman
Roar Guru
ok, here's another... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z47NljuPBFE
misha
Guest
Glasses will help you..you put them on and your vision gets better. Good luck
Tissot Time
Guest
Accidentally caught over Strauss'airway at the bottom of a ruck.
Boomeranga
Guest
What was he doing to lead Strauss to need to tap him out?
Hayley
Guest
Mate, he got it spot on
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
... and that is all this con job is about.
surely has developed a life of its own here at The Roar.ClarkeG
Guest
He wasn't really in a position to look after himself during those 11 secs though was he.
SP
Guest
Ah, good ole Stuff.co.nz. The meeting place for anti-Aussie, Kiwi bile.
Dave_S
Guest
How's Michael Leitch? Happy, Deano?
Paul
Guest
Aww. I'm sure he can look after himself. And he didn't sub off, so I guess he wasn't hurt. Or should we show more concern for his emotional well being? Ok, then. Well I hope he's not too traumatised to enter another maul, and can find the strength to move past this terrible moment in his life.
Deano
Guest
I haven't seen a single Australian ask how the victim, Michael Leitch, is. All their effort is going into keeping Brand Pocock alive.
ClarkeG
Guest
Just can't let go of that Kiwi issue thingee you have going on.
wolfmann
Guest
he apologised because he's a class act. End of.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Article about Leitch receiving calls from Pocock to apologise. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/78644542/brumbies-star-david-pocock-issues-heartfelt-apology-to-chiefs-and-rugby-after-copping-twomatch-ban
Shane D
Roar Rookie
He is getting pats on the back for apologising & being man enough to say his actions were wrong James. Haven't seen anyone here congratulate him for his foul play have you?
Shane D
Roar Rookie
He rang Leitch twice to apologise. Once the day after the day & again after he had been suspended. Leitch accepted the apologies & has moved on. What Pocock gets though is that he is a role model & wants to get the message out that he is remorseful for his actions. A public apology for a person in his situation is not unusual.
skippy
Guest
So as long as you apologize , the wrong doing is fine?