Okay, everyone, I found some precedent for this. The 1956 case of "Eyes vs. Pokes". Look it up.
This thread delivered. Thanks!
As for poke-gate, maybe it's intentional (the head rub certainly was), maybe it's depth perception or hand-eye coordination. But like the "trick" he used on the tip-offs, it has now been brought out into the open. Note that he doesn't appear to be restraining other players on tip-off now.
If it's not intentional, his coaches need to work with him on his technique, or expect more flagrant fouls now that refs are aware of his reputation and the spotlight shining on it.
If it's intentional, I really don't care if Fran doesn't want to talk about it, or admit that it's intentional...but if it IS, Fran needs to stop it, now.
Should be suspended for the rest of the year and arrested. This goes beyond basketball. He's intentionally trying to injure and maim someone. Absolutely no place for this in basketball. The only ones that say they're accidents are the most delusional hock fans alive. Lightning doesn't strike THREE TIMES in one spot! Such a thug!
I hate Iowa as much as the next guy but anybody who thinks that Woodbury is doing this on purpose has never played basketball before.
Maybe Woodbury's own eyesight is really bad and he has poor depth perception. Maybe he's just putting his hand out to guard and can't tell how close he is to the opposition. Poor eyesight would explain a lot of why he sucks at shooting overall.
My god, did you guys hear Fran attack Gary Dolphin when Dolphin asked about it?