It had to consider our arguments that there was no intent, and that it was rucking not stomping, but it didn't do so. Owen and the game are entitled to better reasons. The committee has carefully considered the submission made on behalf of the player. It has taken into account all the matters put on his behalf in his favour and in addition has considered the submissions made to the judicial committee as recorded in its judgment. The majority view is that the judicial committee's decision cannot be said to be excessive.
All players have a responsibility to abide by the laws of the game.
In this matter, the tribunal has found that the player did not do so and has been guilty of dangerous play. It is the unanimous view of the tribunal that the player is guilty of the offence charged. ACT's deep anger over the decision will further divide their already edgy relationship with the Australian Rugby Union. This icy atmosphere has also not been helped by an ongoing verbal war between ACT centre Rod Kafer and ARU chief executive John O'Neill. The next day an article appeared in the paper which further incensed the ARU, particularly its media monopolist, managing director John O'Neill, who took offence to comments made by me that suggested the ARU treated the Brumbies players as discards.