I didn't kiss and bite dancer: Gower
Jano Gibson
February 12, 2007 - 3:05PM
Two witnesses have backed-up rugby league player Craig Gower's version of events during a violent incident at a Sydney night club at the weekend.
The 28-year-old Penrith Panthers halfback had been accused by witnesses of kissing and biting the neck of a man at the Peppermint Lounge in Potts Point in the early hours of Sunday morning, the club's head of security, Tarek Nassr, told smh.com.au this morning.
Gower's alleged behaviour had sparked a violent reaction from the man who "just went berserk'', landing a few punches on the international player, Mr Nassr said.
The Panther's media manager, Rob Weaver, said Gower had confirmed he was involved in an "altercation'' at the lounge bar but rejected claims he had kissed or bitten the man's neck.
"Craig admits he was in the club and there was an altercation on the dance floor but, as for these allegations of biting and so on, I don't know what that's all about,'' Mr Weaver said.
"He was having some fun on the dance floor and another dancer went berserk and started throwing some punches.
"He did not retaliate and left the club as quickly as he could.''
Two witnesses have now come forward, backing up the rugby league star's version of events.
"He did have an altercation with someone but there was no biting or anything like that, said Nathan, a 26-year-old acquaintance of Gower's who asked that his surname not be published.
"They were having words. Craig lifted up his shirt just because he was drunk - I will give you that.''
"He's lifted up his shirt just to sort of say he's a fit boy or whatever and the guy just decked him.''
"It was a big hit, he's hit the ground and then he got back up. [Gower's] put his hands in front of his face and said he doesn't want to fight and then the guy king hit him again, clean hit to the face again, same spot.
"The lights went on in the club at this point. People have tried to grab the large guy that actually hit him.''
Nathan said Gower quickly left the premises with security guards in tow.
He said the man who allegedly hit Gower then walked around allegedly telling people he would come back with a gun and shoot Gower.
The man also allegedly hit another club-goer in the head, Nathan said.
Another patron, who did not want to give his name, said the violence on the dance floor lasted for about 30 seconds.
"The dance floor was pretty much dead - everyone was just sitting around.
"All of a sudden Gower has come over and you could tell he was a bit drunk but he wasn't being a total idiot and we just thought basically he was posing with this other guy. They were both showing their muscles, being heroes, that sort of thing.
"Next thing you know they are just shaping up and ready to punch on.
"The [other] guy has hit him in the head about three times. They both put their arms up to fight and the guy has hit him three times and Gower's like, 'No, I don't want to fight. No I don't want to fight.'''
"I went over and grabbed the guy and I'm not the biggest guy. I was saying 'No, it's not worth it. Leave it alone.'
"He was just like ... in the heat of of the moment. He was just going off his head.''
The patron said he also heard the man yell out that he would return with a gun but dismissed it as a hollow threat.
