'Brain explosions' exist, says expert in wake of James Graham biting drama
- From: The Daily Telegraph
- October 02, 2012
CANTERBURY prop James Graham has been warned against quoting "brain explosion" as part of his biting defence - despite experts insisting the controversial phenomenon does exist.
Leading sports psychologist Jeff Bond says Graham, who could be suspended for as long as 12 weeks after his grand final chomp on the ear of Melbourne fullback Billy Slater, had most likely suffered the oft-quoted syndrome last Sunday.
It comes as a poll on this website reveals 66% of the 20,000 respondents want to see the British Bulldog rubbed out for 10 weeks or more (vote in the poll below).
"There is such a thing as a brain fade, yes," Bond said. "It's basically combining high levels of adrenaline in a physically demanding combat sport like rugby league.
"When someone under high levels of stress, someone with high levels of adrenalin rushing through their system is faced with a physical situation they're sometimes prone to making irrational, illogical and at times extremely regrettable mistakes.
"Often, it seems athletes revert to the most basic of instincts, to animalistic values. Why? Maybe it's an evolutionary thing."
Asked if Graham could use a "brain explosion" defence to try and lessen his sentence at Thursday night's NRL judiciary, Bond continued: "There is no defence for what he did.
"It's like when someone opens their mouth so wide they get both feet stuck inside it. They have to take responsibility.
"James Graham opened his mouth too and has to pay the consequences. You also need to remember there are ways for an athlete to train themselves against brain fades.
"Some have a series of self checks they run through. Others use controlled breathing. There are whole range of strategies with the key being to ensure you're disciplined enough to adhere to them - even when in the heat of battle."