Paints the RFL in a good light that. All the outsiders looking in, Media outlets who dont normally cover us etc, will all see this as a big ban and a sign that we dont tolerate that behavior. Whereas in reality , as mentioned above, its virtually a two month ban and covering possibly around 8 games which is the minimum ban for what would be for a grade F offence

No, it's effectively an 11 game ban.

Which game does Hohaia serve his suspension in? A pre season friendly, WCC or opening SL fixture? Could an international fixture count?

It was a bad one but I don’t have a problem with the punishment. Seems about right.

A fixed time ban - in this case 6/12 is reasonable for the offence.

When it occurs during the season and in what game & to what player shouldn't matter.

That kind of offence (like Newton) is always going to be about 6months.

If it happens in the first game of the season or the last, 6 months is the penalty.

You couldn't seriously give someone a three month ban when you know he hasn't got a 'proper' game coming up until three months from now. So, in reality, Flower has got a three month ban and it's daft to call it anything else. Whether a three month [eight gameish] ban is sufficient is down to other factors, I guess - like his past record, for instance and I don't remember much, to be honest, so assume he's not got much previous.

He misses the same number of games whether they said 6 months or 13 games - which was my point. The RFL confirmed it.

Ben Flower's 6 month ban was the second article on the BBC Radio 1 news this morning. Behind only the Ebola crisis in importance, apparently.
I can't decide if all this press is bad for the game, or if the ridiculous prominence some outlets are giving it might actually attract new viewers in some twisted way.

This story has been high profile on Radio 2 - also second on the headlines list and Chris Evans remarking how good "Superleague" are at dealing with such issues. Simon Mayo also giving it plenty of cover, Absolute Radio on the same tracks too..

Over all, I think both players and both clubs have handled it extremely well and despite the moment of madness - its got to be better than starting a bitch fest via newspaper columns and books (cricketers and footballers).

Terry Newton was on the receiving end of similar coverage for his stiff arm on Sean Long in 2005 and at that time there was hell on - but nobody forsaw the outcome.

I will be glad for all concerned when this lot dies down a bit - and I hope Ben Flower gets through what will be a difficult period of his life.

I'd not considered this and for some reason I think it will.