06-22-2015, 01:34 PM
(06-22-2015, 12:07 PM)Thryleon link Wrote:they did this last week too.
Regarding the tackle, I have this to say.
If the outcome of the action dictates the validity with the action then the game is in strife.
If Gray hadn't hit his head no one would care.
Therefore it's an indictment on the game to suspend Gibbs.
I mentioned this issue earlier; that rough conduct due to its nature is more subject to being assessed by the severity of the act than other offences. The MRP system leads to this, but im not certain the previous tribunal system was better. Each had their pros and cons. The current system leaves little room for discretionary judgement in determining penalties. More discretion may result in more inconsistencies though.
The game is in greater strife if players get seriously injured in the head, and the nature of the professional game increases the chances of this. Despite the nostalgia for supposed greater toughness in years gone by, the players are much faster and stronger than they were 20 years or more ago. Skulls have not got any thicker in this time, and more information is emerging on the damage such blows can inflict. The game is not and is not getting 'soft' by any stretch.
I agree that if Gray had stood up after the tackle then we would not be debating this, but the arrangements are in place because of a precautionary principle.
Another interpretation of this is that Gibbs and Gray were fortunate that the latter was not badly hurt, and that a three week penalty aint much. A rugby player in Queensland died on the weekend from head injuries sustained in a tackle.