corrente

Herewith part of the transcript from The Amazin' Froomkin's chat today:

Damascus, Md.: Tom Tomorrow and Kos had a picture from GWB's college yearbook, taken from yesterday's LA Times print edition, which shows W seemingly trying to punch someone in the face during a rugby game. There seems to be some controversy as to what's going on in the photo.

Do you think it's an actual punch in the face, or an illegal high tackle, or perhaps a failed tackle that his opponent is ducking out of?

Dan Froomkin: Here is the picture the reader is writing about.

I have no idea! Any rugby players out there? To be fair, this should be judged by rugby standards, which I gather are exceedingly low when it comes to roughhousing.

Boca Raton, Fla.: Dan, On the Rugby picture...... it looks like GW is trying to tackle the player with the ball.

But GW is not going about it the right way and in all likelihood, the player was able to get away.

Pretty much looks like he is a novice to me.

Dan Froomkin: Thank you. So it was a fair (but bad) hit?

Philadeplphia, Pa.: re: rugby...

"High tackles" are illegal in rugby.

"Leaving your feet while tackling" is illegal in rugby.

As you note, rugby has lots of physical violence...and given that Bush was clearly violating two prohibitions, there is really no reason to suspect that he wasn't attempting to punch the other guy in the face.

What I want to know is why the picture is in the 1969 Yale yearbook---Bush graduated in 1968.

Dan Froomkin: Thank you. And thank you for giving birth to a brand new conspiracy theory.
(via WaPo)

I love it! aWol claims he's on the varsity, (lying, duh, back), and then, on the intramural squad, breaks two rules and punches a guy in the face. Sounds like He had anger management problems even back then, doesn't it? Funny how it keeps coming down to character....

And, "Philadeplphia"—great job! Stop by The Mighty Corrente Building anytime!