David Pocock has issued a wide-reaching apology for the neck hold he inflicted on Michael Leitch at the weekend in a refreshing departure from the usual “sorry, not sorry” sentiments often trundled out by redemption-seeking sports stars.
The Australia international was cited for grabbing his opponent in a dangerous manner at a maul during the Super Rugby encounter against the Chiefs at the weekend.
He was subsequently handed a three-week ban at a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday, although that sanction was reduced by Sanzar to two games given Pocock’s early guilty plea, his good character, genuine remorse and excellent disciplinary record.
It was the first time in his career he had faced the judiciary and, while he accepted the sanctions given to him, he also took to his personal website to make an extensive and heartfelt statement in which he assumed full responsibility for his actions and expressed how “incredibly disappointed” he was with himself.
“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,” he said. “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 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.”
He will miss the Brumbies’ matches against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on 16 April and the Crusaders in Canberra the week after.
Pocock has forged a reputation for fairness on the pitch and his social justice work off the field has earned him admirers beyond the sporting world.
He was arrested for chaining himself to a coal digger in a protest at Maules Creek and is a staunch advocate of gay marriage. He and his partner Emma have refused to sign their marriage documents until same-sex marriage is made legal in Australia.
