Quote: post "<snip>'"
I have a few complaints with this plea, his comments mostly. To start with, I don’t believe that it was “out of character” for Hock, as he has a reputation of being a dirty player.
Quote: post " The player insists there was no intention to make direct contact with the eyes of the opponent.'"
I don’t believe that for 1 minute, with his team being beaten he was frustrated, and clearly clenches into Harrison’s eyes, yanking his head back in the mean time.
Quote: post " Player contends that contact was made with the head of the opponent, but that contact with the eyes was unintentional'"
I would be able to accept this had Hock’s hand started on the head, but it goes straight into the eyes, and surely Hock should not be pushing on players heads anyway whilst they’re down?
Quote: post "Furthermore, the player was not looking at his opponent when he made contact with his head.'"
This doesn’t necessarily mean that he didn’t mean to gouge Harrison.
Quote: post " Player adds that he was looking for a lever to assist him getting to his feet'"
Somehow, I don’t think that somebody’s eyes should be used as a lever to get up.
Quote: post " as soon as he felt his opponents eyes he removed his hand immediately.'"
For me, his hand stays on Harrison’s face until he (Harrison) moves his head out of the way, and furthermore, Hock stands up and punches him, which somehow doesn't show me that it was unintentional because otherwise he may have apologised for gouging him?
My real issue was with this comment though Furthermore the player has been out of the game for two years and is still adapting to his re-entry into the game.'"