Athletes get caught up in the moment often, but only a very select bunch react to that by brutally KO-ing one of their fellow competitors. That was the story on Saturday, as rugby player Ben Flower knocked out one of his opponents only 120 seconds in the Super League Grand Final in Manchester.
The unlucky recipient of the punch was St. Helens player Lance Hohaia, who had to leave the game with a concussion, while Flower, who plays for Wigan, was immediately ejected. He now faces disciplinary action and a reported eight game ban, just for going UFC-style on Hohaia.
Perhaps the most bizarre part of the story is that Hohaia wasn't even mad about getting mollywhopped, saying that he doesn't "hold any grudges against Ben," and that he understands that players lose their heads in the heat of battle.
For the record, St. Helens went on to win the game 14-6 despite losing Hohaia.
UPDATE:
Ben Flower banned until April 14 2015 after being found guilty of Grade F violent & aggressive punching. More soon. pic.twitter.com/mvR3RUivhS
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 14, 2014
[via BBC Sport]
