Dear spunkets,
"Why is physical assault, or similar excluded?"
Except in self-defense, to commit physical assault against another is a criminal offense. Employment law, as I understand it, does not require someone to submit to crimes as a condition of employment. Even employment at-will doesn't permit terminating an employee for failing to submit to a crime. As well, even employment at-will doesn't permit terminating an employee for refusing to participate in a crime.
These are some of the "public policy" exceptions in "at-will" employment law. If you read through my posts in this thread, you'll find that I've previously posted about this.
sitetest
It's been made a criminal offense by the legislature, because it's a violation of rights. The legislature does not consider sport fights assault(battery), because that's not a violation of rights. It can be simply an employment contract. The key is whether, or not the demand is a rights violation, or legitimate employment matter. The OK legislature saw the vehicle owner's rights being violated as I do.