Hello. Do you have a crush on David Pocock? Of course you do, you’re a human being either living or dead.
The rugby star with the heart of gold is a model example of all that’s good and great about sport, coupled with a well-earned off-field reputation that’s practically unparalleled in global professional athletics.
However, even the best of us have occasional slip-ups, particularly when it comes to the sporting field.
Pocock, playing for the Brumbies in the Canberran side’s Super Rugby clash against the Waikato Chiefs this past weekend, found himself in hot water for the first time in his storied career. Pocock grabbed the Chiefs’ Michael Leitch around the neck in attempting to defend a rolling maul, and didn’t relinquish when Leitch appeared to tap out of the hold.
The incident saw him hauled before the Super Rugby judiciary, who handed out a two game suspension. Due to the Brumbies’ bye this coming week, the suspension effectively becomes a three week sentence. Pocock will now miss crucial games against the Waratahs and the Crusaders
But rather than appeal the sentence (it would have been possible to argue that Pocock would’ve played for his Canberra club side during the bye week, which could have reduced the suspension to one Super League game), Pocock instead issued a humble, remorseful, and genuinely sincere apology to Leitch, the Brumbies and Chiefs, and the fans for letting them down.
Taking to his website, Pocock penned the open letter taking full responsibility for his own actions, in an extraordinary move that’s so bafflingly rare amongst sports stars.
“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”
HOW IS HE SO NICE AND GOOD.
Bless you, sweet David Pocock. Sport could use a hell of a lot more legends like you.
Source: David Pocock, Sydney Morning Herald.
Photo: Morne de Klerk/Getty.
