Hoops

Conklin in, all charges dropped

Like some others, I thought Conklins's actions were, at worst, reckless, with no apparent intent. It just had an awful consequence. If Damo's jaw hadn't been broken and everything else was the same, there would be no discussion about this. A foul would've (maybe) been called, and play on.

What the NBL should crack down is flailing arms. I don't think Conklin's actions would constitute "flailing". He wasn't waving his arms about. It was a single action. But you know the action I'm talking about: a player gets a rebound and starts swinging or is even only contesting the ball and starts swinging. Perth have a couple of fine exponents of this themselves (and Damo isn't one). But it seems that players may only get called if the other player is silly/brave enough to leave their head in the strike zone. The flailer is rewarded for failing to make contact, despite their efforts.

It's like in ruggby league. You swing high and make contact: 6 - 12 weeks. You swing high, miss: nothing. You get rewarded for your incompetence!

And I've read that Conklin has been criticsed for walking off. I wasn't at the game and couldn't see in any replay whether he had a smirk on his face. But maybe he walked away because he realised that he had made significant contact and took himself away to avoid any argy-bargy or chesting up? Just a thought.

Time to move on. The NBL has cleared him, no point arguing about it any more.
I was glad he played, definitely put some spice into the game last night and made the victory all that much sweeter :P

Some simple facts.

1. Conklin has the ball.

2. He is allowed to stop other players from getting the ball, including by flailing and gesticulating wildly if he wants

3. If he does so in a manner which illegally makes contact with a defender, there is a penalty for that - an offensive foul.

4. You cannot be reckless or negligent in performing something you are within your rights to do.

5. Therefore if it is not intentional, and everyone agrees that, then no suspension is warranted.

I'm somewhat surprised by the outcome too, but I think they backed themselves into a corner by charging him with striking.
A one-match ban would have been appropriate imo for a reckless action.

It will be interesting to see how the refs take this game on. They let the game be quite physical in Townsville on Wednesday. I wonder what pressure they are on to keep this game in check and if this match will turn into a whistle-fest.

As a wildcats fan I find this decision to be very GOOD.

Yes, I don't believe that Conklin intended to hurt Damo- like others have already said, he was reckless. However, regardless if intentional or not, that was a nasty blow and Damo is now out for minimum 11 games- we're now at a disadvantage, and so should Townsville.

This isn't the AFL.

This further fuels my happiness towards the NBL tribunal and fortunately makes them look to be actually using common sense.

While I'm happy with the outcome, tonights game should be a great atmosphere and hopefully the Wildcats get up and beat Townsville. And hopefully after we win, Trevor keeps a lid on his immature comments!

I dont think there was any Malice there. Im just not impressed for the player for not even helping the guy up. Speaks a lot for his moral centre.

I'm a little surprised at the outcome but am glad it was heard.

Now, onto the next game right?

Is that you Trevor ?