Example Two: “...whatever this is, it sure isn’t in the same realm with boxing. This is boxing like the demolition derby is auto racing” (Bryan Burwell, June 4, 2008, NBC Sports).
Response: Truthfully, with the exception of the Carano-Young and Lawler-Smith matches, I did not appreciate EliteXC’s debut on CBS either, at least from a planning and production standpoint (I do respect a majority of the athletes). However, in this article, Burwell also says he has watched the UFC and WEC, so he claims to have at least some additional MMA exposure. In addition to the overall tenor of his essay being laden with exaggerated analogies and lacking of any objectivity or research, his article insinuates that MMA is more barbaric and dangerous than boxing (he also brings up football in his essay). MMA is dangerous; I have no qualms with that statement. However, about 17% of all pro boxers end up punch drunk (with chronic traumatic brain injury; Lewis, 2006). That is about one out of every seven! Research shows that retired NFL players who sustained three or more concussions while in competition are significantly more likely to end up with chronic depression in their post-sporting years (Schwarz, 2007). And it is not just men’s collision sports where we see high injury rates. Research has shown that female teens who play basketball are eight times more likely to tear their ACL’s than their male counterparts, and that females in other sports, such as soccer and gymnastics have significantly higher rates of ACL tears than males (Mann, 2001
7 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete