Me too. One of the better contributors to the forum I feel. I don't always agree with him, but we've never abused each other and he's always fair in his debates. I can't speak for how he is with others. I understand why he was banned, but surely that was temporary?
I don't know why he was banned but there are some inconsistencies in what people have to do/say to get banned in the first place. That being said, I know the admin folk have a difficult job in determining where people have crossed a certain line.
How old is he? There was a time when people would have brushed a comment like that off, although I accept it's not an acceptable phrase to use in this day and age.
Conan is actually a very good friend of mine - who I attend matches with - he won't be coming back as site admin have given him a permanent ban meaning he won't ever be allowed back - even though doing a search for that 'word' brings back numerous other posters who have used it and not been banned . Personally I hate the word as I have a severely disabled brother - however I don't think it warranted a permanent ban and think site admin went a but 'power crazy'