Lessons learned on violence in sports?

Gerry V By Gerry V The Times-Picayune
on May 07, 2012 at 10:18 AM, updated May 07, 2012 at 9:34 PM

The violence in sports has once again become the topic of conversation. It's nothing new, as we seem to forget that President Teddy Roosevelt once tried to ban football because of its brutality.

collision_kobe.jpgCollisions and injuries happen in every sport at every level.

Many were whispering -- and some yelling -- that the sport of football was for barbarians and not civilized people. Thank goodness those voices eventually lost the debate.

NASCAR racing, football, boxing, hockey, ultimate fighting, and even soccer can and will take their tolls on a number of athletes in the form of minor injuries and some very serious ones.

Baseball players take risks having to face speed pitches, that if not accurately placed, can cause serious harm.

Are we to ban any activity that comes with a list of risks? Haven't we been taught that great rewards come to those who are willing to take chances?

True, a proper set of rules, monitoring, and enforcing of those rules is required to protect players as best possible. Nobody is ever 100 percent protected. The athletes condition themselves, improve on their skills, and learn to maneuver to enhance the chances of preventing injury.

Integrity and maintaining a proper "spirit of the game" intact is vital for all our sports.

I think it's important for everyone to answer the following question: Don't athletes have the right to take some risks?

Isn't that understood? Every sport presents a set of risks to all who choose to play.

We need to be careful about stripping away our motivational and competitive core. How does one excel at anything without the will "to take a chance?"

It's a debate that is now in vogue again. How much is too much?

When all aspects of competition are properly taught and learned, our games are a beautiful thing.

Let's hope the right to take chances is never taken away.

The more we learn about the results of physical contact, the more we can adapt. Just don't think we can provide safety at every turn.

Competiton is the dance of excellence.

There is value in risk.

Athletes understand this.

