Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Are you serious? Do they all know to expect that by their mid-thirties they will be at high risk for long-term permanent brain damage that will irrevocably alter their quality of life and well being? I seriously doubt it.
Fighters are in the NHL because they want to be professional hockey players, but are not good enough to play professional hockey. They are enticed by the dream, and are primarily committed to making it happen with little thought to the cost or the risks, but that DOES NOT make it an acceptable risk. This is an issue that cuts right down to the grass roots of hockey. If we were honest with those players who are not good enough to play professional hockey about all the risks; if the amateur and juniour leagues are no longer enabling parties, then these kids will move on, and many will almost certainly be much better for it.
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Fighters are to the NHL what porn stars are to Hollywood.
If you really think about it, you will be very sad. If you have any empathy for Gratts, you will be sad. He is not making that much money, and we see a lot of these guys not live long enough to enjoy anything they have saved.
Exploitation is his only avenue into the league to play the game he loved since he was a kid. These guys are bare knuckle fighting with almost exclusively head shots - even MMA protects its athletes better.
When I see Gazdic and Gratts fight I think of the fireside fight to the death in Django.