Gregan ban just 'disgusting'
By Dean Ritchie
May 9, 2006
LEADING orthopaedic surgeon Dr Merv Cross last night slammed rugby union's decision to suspend Australia captain George Gregan for just one week, describing his weekend spear tackle as "disgusting" and worthy of a 10-week ban.
The kid glove treatment of Gregan, after his dangerous Super 14 tackle on Highlanders winger Richard Kahui, came as the National Rugby League charged Melbourne's Michael Crocker with a grade four dangerous throw on South Sydney's Shane Rigon.
Crocker will be suspended for nine matches if he enters an early guilty plea, 12 if he fights the case and loses.
"The fact Gregan only got one week is disgusting," Cross said.
"(Gregan's) tackle was dangerous. Had it been another player, you can't help but think he would have been given a bigger suspension," Dr Cross said.
"You only need to see one player become a quadriplegic and everyone loses interest (in the sport).
"I think league has got it right, I don't think union has.
"I thought that rugby union, given the incidence of neck injuries, would have been more severe than just one match.
Many experienced commentators and players from both codes believe Gregan's spear tackle was worse than Crocker's.
The impending suspension of Crocker, who has been outed seven times since 2002, will end his chances of representing Queensland in this year's State of Origin series.
"Michael Crocker is a bloke who should have known better," Dr Cross said.
Crocker's grade four charge carries a base penalty of a seven-week ban which would be increased because of past offences.
Gregan's one-week ban means he will miss the fourth-placed Brumbies's final regular season match against the Super 14-leader the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night.
But he will be available for the semi-finals the next weekend if the Brumbies make the top four.
Former dual international Ray Price is one former player not calling for tough action.
He said he had viewed both tackles and had no problems with either.
"(Kahui) landed across the back of his shoulder," Price, arguably one of the greatest forwards to play league and union, said.
"Gregan didn't have his hands between his legs. I saw nothing wrong with the tackle."
Asked about the Crocker tackle, Price said: "It was a good tackle."
The Daily Telegraph
I think Pricey has landed on his head one too many times.
The fact that Gregan got a week, is a bit of a joke.
