Paints the RFL in a good light that. All the outsiders looking in, Media outlets who dont normally cover us etc, will all see this as a big ban and a sign that we dont tolerate that behavior. Whereas in reality , as mentioned above, its virtually a two month ban and covering possibly around 8 games which is the minimum ban for what would be for a grade F offence

No, it's effectively an 11 game ban.

Which game does Hohaia serve his suspension in? A pre season friendly, WCC or opening SL fixture? Could an international fixture count?

It was a bad one but I don’t have a problem with the punishment. Seems about right.

A fixed time ban - in this case 6/12 is reasonable for the offence.

When it occurs during the season and in what game & to what player shouldn't matter.

That kind of offence (like Newton) is always going to be about 6months.

If it happens in the first game of the season or the last, 6 months is the penalty.

You couldn't seriously give someone a three month ban when you know he hasn't got a 'proper' game coming up until three months from now. So, in reality, Flower has got a three month ban and it's daft to call it anything else. Whether a three month [eight gameish] ban is sufficient is down to other factors, I guess - like his past record, for instance and I don't remember much, to be honest, so assume he's not got much previous.

He misses the same number of games whether they said 6 months or 13 games - which was my point. The RFL confirmed it.

Ben Flower's 6 month ban was the second article on the BBC Radio 1 news this morning. Behind only the Ebola crisis in importance, apparently.
I can't decide if all this press is bad for the game, or if the ridiculous prominence some outlets are giving it might actually attract new viewers in some twisted way.

This story has been high profile on Radio 2 - also second on the headlines list and Chris Evans remarking how good "Superleague" are at dealing with such issues. Simon Mayo also giving it plenty of cover, Absolute Radio on the same tracks too..

Over all, I think both players and both clubs have handled it extremely well and despite the moment of madness - its got to be better than starting a bitch fest via newspaper columns and books (cricketers and footballers).

Terry Newton was on the receiving end of similar coverage for his stiff arm on Sean Long in 2005 and at that time there was hell on - but nobody forsaw the outcome.

I will be glad for all concerned when this lot dies down a bit - and I hope Ben Flower gets through what will be a difficult period of his life.

I'd not considered this and for some reason I think it will.

The scamps at the Telegraph used this opportunity to make this rather staggering claim – some of it fuelled by anabolic steroids – has placed it at the nexus of guilty pleasure and thuggery." www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html

The scamps at the Telegraph used this opportunity to make this rather staggering claim – some of it fuelled by anabolic steroids – has placed it at the nexus of guilty pleasure and thuggery." www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html

In essence Terry Newton cannot argue anything can he?
The situation that Flower's was in was entirely different insofar that he behaved like some kind of automated Monster, and the other Player who got the brunt of the thuggery was to all intents and purpose hell bent on releasing that pent up stupidity that was bound to boil over at some time>

The coach must bear some of the blame if the video was anything to go by, that was verbal thuggery and did nothing to endear anyone to the game.

I know that in any team sport certain opposition players are targeted as the player to watch carefully, and to mark them... that of course is the euphemism, for "Stop that (expletive ) at any cost" or the " he's not a good player, but he knows how to stop those that are!" scenario that the Wigan coach seemed to try instill in his Players, on the video anyway?

One of the problems Ben Flowers will face is the pariah status, of media frenzy and rightly the contempt of the general public, I think that's the most worrying aspect that if he did something out of character after a ridiculous madness descending on him, his future mental Health may be at risk.
If he is just a Thug (and I personally don't think he is) he will shrug it off and do it again when he starts playing once more.

We have known various players who have served more time at the disciplinary procedures for the same offences time and time again..

It's not doing our game any good at all is it?, some people will say "Well it's a Mans sport so what do you expect?" I would say, Courage, skill and endurance of an elite athlete, not thuggish behavior is what the Game of Rugby League should be known for!

I don't think that's a necessary comment. In fact, I'd go so far as to suggest some people may find it a bit offensive.

Having known and mourned Terry Newton, that is something I would not have wanted to do?
The worst aspect of Terry's problems were that nobody recognised the situation he was in, which obviously was the darkest place possible, brought about by severe depression!
I was attempting to point out that Ben Flower could be pushed into a similar dark place by being castigated by the media and the general public at large.

There is another report in the Daily Mirror that is in the same vein as the Telegraph article, and I understand Ben Flowers has already attracted the "Death" threat brigade of idiots.

Like they say there will be no going back from his horrendous behaviour, but no one in Rugby League would like to see another tragedy that befell us when we heard about Terry Newton, at least the RL cares community can offer support to him, without minimising his offence.

I am sorry Roofaldo if I, unintentionally, offended anyone!