Response to Felicia’s post Oh Crosby…

Response to Felicia’s post Oh Crosby…: http://305upinflames.blogspot.com/

Crosby is definitely a good example for the consequences of violence in sports.

In 2010-11, the Pittsburg Penguins captain sustained a concussion as a result of hits to the head in back-to-back games. The injury left him sidelined for ten and a half months. However after returning in the 2011-2012 season, his concussion-like symptoms returned causing him to hang up his skates once again (still unable to return to the game at this time).

As you stated the hit was a “blindsided hit” and could possible end Crosby’s career (although he is scheduled to return to the game this month). Crosby’s concussion-like symptoms returned December 2011, possibly following an elbow hit in his eighth game of the season. Even if it doesn’t end his career he will always suffer side effects of his injuries as a result of the double concussions in a year. As you stated he has been experiencing concussion like symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. Returning to the sport and playing in such a physically demanding environment is very dangerous to his health both now and in the future. With that being said, playing high-risk sports or physically demanding sports always has its fallbacks- injuries are inevitable (especially in hockey where body contact is allowed and fighting constantly occurs).

I agree that it is never smart to resort to violence, especially when its sole purpose is for entertainment! Violence in sports can be brought on for several reasons. The obvious reason is competition. Violence is accepted in many aspects of sports as it is seen as part of the competitive nature of the sport. In reference to Tracy Trothen’s article Holy Acceptable Violence? Canadian professional hockey is masked with unnecessary amounts of violence. Issues occur when the acceptance of violence is accepted as a normative behavior. As a result it is difficult to distinguish between morally acceptable versus morally wrong behaviors- which can be seen in the “blindsided hit” Crosby experienced from another player. What makes violence in hockey acceptable? It is not okay to use the players competitive nature as an explanation for dangerous acts of violence. Violent behaviors in sports have a negative effect on the victimized athletes- in terms of long-term and short-term consequences.