Do you remember when Dennis Rodman kicked a courtside cameraman straight in the crotch during a 1997 matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves? If you haven’t, click here to watch.
Though it cost him a cool $1 million for his troubles, in many ways, THAT train wreck was more tolerable for viewers than the one we were subjected to yesterday during the second round of the European Open. If you’ve not yet seen the incident for yourself, here’s how things went down:
Enter Nikko Locastro, stage left:
- Off the tee on the 18th hole, Locastro threw out of bounds.
- Throwing three, a nearby official timed Nikko’s second shot.
- After the throw, the official confronted Locastro with a time violation.
- Nikko lost it, got in the official’s face and chided him for doing his job.
- Uncertain how to respond, Nate Doss chimed in with, “Well, that happened.”
Our bulleted list doesn’t do the scene justice, though …
Look away if you’re squeamish:
It’s one thing to kick dirt, rattle chains, drop an F-bomb or flip shiz over an errant throw or putt. We’ve all seen Nikko do that. It’s an entirely different matter when you take out your anger on somebody else, though – puppies, small children, the elderly and on-site officials, of course.
The PDGA doesn’t take these matters lightly.
Like, homeboy might have to look for a new job for the next few months …
From the rulebook:
“Physical battery, sexual assault, credible threats of imminent harm to another player, stalking and intimidation are among potential Class A offenses. Class A offenses carry a standard penalty of a 24-month suspension followed by twelve months of probation.”
Following the European Open, the PDGA will assemble a disciplinary committee to determine Locastro’s punishment, should they feel anything is needed in addition to his disqualification. Though the European Open is a major, the DGPT can still enforce its own conduct ruling. Assuming Jeff Spring goes that route, his Tour Card could be revoked, for example.
As far as “disciplinary precedent” is concerned, Bradley Williams was handed down an 18-month suspension for an altercation he got into with Matt Dollar at the 2016 Ledgestone Insurance Open. Shoulders were bumped. Naughty words were exchanged. Feelings were hurt.
Williams’ appeal was denied.
He sat on the sidelines for 18 months.
It’s my personal belief the PDGA will make an example of Locastro. Given the rapid growth of the sport, more eyeballs than ever before have witnessed Nikko’s utter disregard for the game’s rules. Thirty seconds might not seem like much, but he’s already a polarizing figure. I’m not saying it’s right, but this is a convenient, not-so-awkward way to make a mighty statement.
The PDGA doesn’t EVER want to see this again …
I don’t blame ‘em.
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