Brutal head shots in hockey. Helmets used as weapons in football. The unbridled popularity of mixed martial arts. SPORTSCENTRE examines the growing culture of violence in professional sports in Drawing the Line, a special five-part series beginning next week. TSN’s veteran journalist Dave Naylor helms the series, which questions why professional sports with violent contact are more popular today than ever. But increasing alarm is being expressed over the consequences of the violence – short term and long term.
Special reports from Drawing the Line air July 4 to 8 on all editions of TSN’s flagship sports news program, SPORTSCENTRE. Complementing the series, TSN.ca will feature columns from Naylor, bonus video features, as well as panel discussions on each of the five topics explored in Drawing the Line. Naylor will also host a live online chat on Thursday, July 7 at 12 noon ET.
Drawing the Line features a range of opinions on the role of violence in professional sports, with comments from former NHL player Keith Primeau, former CFL player, Jason Tucker, Commissioner of the CFL Mark Cohon, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke, MMA fighter Sean Pierson, as well as other prominent athletes and sports experts.
Below is an overview of the five installments from Drawing the Line, beginning next week:
Part One: The Perfect Storm
Monday, July 4, 2011
The headlines were recently filled with shocking new medical information on the long term effects of head shots. These revelations, combined with NHL and Olympic superstar Sidney Crosby’s concussion-shortened season, a weekend of mayhem in the National Football League and the meteoric rise of mixed martial arts, brought the issue of violence in professional sports to a boil.
Part Two: The Cost
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Violence in professional sports can take its toll on those who play them. The damage can happen in a split second or over the course of several years. Despite some horrific hits and injuries, fans continue to watch and athletes seem willing to pay the price if it means fame and fortune.
Part Three: Violence Sells
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Mixed martial arts are rocketing up the list of the most popular sports. Why does the spectacle of two people fighting in a cage bring fans out in the thousands? Is the attraction to violence part of humanity’s DNA? What role does the media play in the debate?
Part Four: Drawing the Line
Thursday, July 7, 2011
If violence in professional sports has reached a crisis stage, who will rein it in? Professional leagues are cracking down by toughening their rules, but the brutal hits and injuries keep happening. Some players believe it’s all part of the game, while others want action.
Part Five: Where Do We Go From Here?
Friday, July 8, 2011
Concern is being expressed at the grassroots level about violence in pro sports. The new medical evidence has spurred debate amongst parents and minor sports bodies about the safety of children in sport. What impact is this having on the way all level of sports deal with violence?
Below are selected quotes from Drawing the Line:
“If you don’t want to get hurt there’s lots of other sports. Bowling is a lot of fun and you won’t get hurt.” – Brian Burke, General Manager Toronto Maple Leafs
“Long after the game is gone, players are suffering, and just because there’s the finality of your career, doesn’t mean that all of a sudden you’re well.” – Keith Primeau, former NHL player whose career was cut short by concussions
“I knew what I was getting into. I was blessed to have a great career. So I would do it all over again. I have no regrets. I was playing a kids’ game and getting paid for it.” – Jason Tucker, former CFL player whose career ended when he broke his neck in a game
“Violence sells, and that’s the world we live in.” – Krys Barch, Dallas Stars forward
