http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/25/1093246617027.html?oneclick=true
Newcastle forward Clint Newton was suspended for 12 matches by the NRL judiciary for an ungraded striking charge.
Newton, 23, pleaded guilty to the striking charge stemming from a last round hit on St George Illawarra prop Ashton Sims.
But his legal representative Grant Butterfield argued in a 90 minute hearing that it was a shoulder charge gone horribly wrong.
However, the judiciary panel of Mark Coyne, Darrell Williams and Mal Cochrane still slapped Newton with a heavy ban that exceeded the nine week suspension recommended by NRL prosecutor Peter Kite.
Newton gave evidence that he closed his eyes to brace himself for the hit on Sims who he described as "one of the quicker front rowers that I have seen".
Newton said he didn't know what had happened until he saw the video replay on the big screen.
"Obviously I won't be attempting to shoulder charge anymore. The results, although unintentional, can be what you saw," he said.
Newton told the judiciary panel when he apologised to Sims after the game, the Dragons forward said: "Sweet mate, don't worry about it. You didn't do it on purpose, it's not your game, I accept your apology".
Butterfield - who argued for a three week sentence - compared the Newton incident to a 2004 hit from Dragons' David Howell on Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt which resulted in a grade four striking charge and a three week ban.
Butterfield emphasised Newton's good character, unblemished record and his contrition for the ugly incident.
Butterfield submitted written references from Knights chairman Michael Hill and NRL referees boss Robert Finch as testimony to Newton's good character.
Newton's father, golfing legend Jack Newton, was called as a witness for the defence.
"Clint was pretty distraught (after the incident). I've always tried to teach my kids to be honest," Jack Newton said.
"He said `dad it was a shoulder charge gone wrong and I didn't mean to hit him in the jaw'.
"One thing I can say about my son is that he is honest. That hasn't changed even though he was slightly in shock at the time."
When asked if he was biased, Jack Newton said: "Most people would suggest I am a crusty old bugger and a pretty hard marker.
"I've always taught Clint you don't demand respect, you earn it.
"I've always tried to impress on both my kids that having respect for you peers is paramount."
Kite showed footage of two other referred striking charges from 2004, a kneeing offence by Sharks pivot Greg Bird which resulted in a 10 week ban and Melbourne forward Danny Williams' infamous king hit on Tigers veteran Mark O'Neill (18 weeks).
Kite submitted evidence of Sims' injuries from Dragons doctor Martin Raftery which included three loose teeth which needed to be wired, cuts inside and outside of his mouth which required stitches, a bruised jaw and a mouth infection.
Half our luck.. Hopefully simmo abes and kirk can stay injury free.
