The state of New York is the final frontier for the North American mixed martial arts industry. With Madison Square Garden considered by many to be the “Mecca” of US sports locations, it’s almost vital that the fastest growing sport in the world find a way to achieve sanctioning in that state. However, recent stories that chronicle MMA’s struggle for legalization in NY have shown just how much of a battle lies ahead.
In New York, Assemblyman Bob Reilly has been a strong opponent of the legalization of the sport. This past week, MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani posted an interesting piece where he discussed numerous topics, including recent developments in mixed martial arts, with the politician. While his praise for Zuffa providing medical insurance to fighters was fleeting, Reilly didn’t pull any punches when talking down the sport. Upon reading the piece twice, it became clear that he, along with other opponents, have taken an “ignorance is bliss” approach, which is sadly affecting New York residents, and fans around the world.
When asked about the insurance policy, Reilly stated, “What’s the need for insurance? Because advocates for MMA have been touting how safe this sport is and that no one is ever injured, and in fact, the testimony here is that the worst that ever happened was a broken arm. But I don’t think that insurance is going to do anything for the very prevalent brain damage that fighters will suffer.”
While his concern over the brain damage from prolonged competition is understandable and valid, the rest of his statement is ridiculous. Insurance against injuries is vital, especially in contact sports. Does Reilly feel the same way about football, hockey, and other sports in which organizations cover their million dollar athletes with high-priced policies? What about children’s sports, where if a player gets hurt a lot of the medical care has to come out of the parent’s pockets? One can only wonder about his stance on medical insurance in those situations.
He continues by saying, “I think what MMA should be doing is, instead of providing insurance for injuries, is to do away with injuries.”
That was the final straw. Injuries happen; that’s a fact of being an athlete. It’s stunning how he can make a statement that the sport of mixed martial arts should just do away with them. Once again, he should tell us whether that same idea relates to other sports, where serious injuries are more prevalent, and seem to happen on a weekly basis.
Reilly went on to say that providing insurance to fighters does not address the “systematic problems” of the sport. He pointed towards fighter contract disparities, and how the sport may influence children to act violently. While these two points are worth addressing, it is mind-blowing that those arguments are what he’s standing on to justify impeding the growth of the financial juggernaut that is mixed martial arts.
Fighter contracts vary in amounts, but that is common in every sport. I doubt that any other fighter on the Pacquiao-Mosley boxing card from last weekend made even half of what Pacquiao took home; I’d even be shocked if any of them made a quarter of his pay. Contract disparities are abundant in any professional sport, and that’s how things will be for big stars, relative to guys who do not have the drawing power or talent to demand more money. That is a very weak argument to use to oppose the legalization of mixed martial arts.
The same can be said about the influencing of children. There is no doubt that young kids can emulate what they see on television, and that can be dangerous. However, it is a parent’s job to make sure their kids understand what they are watching, and that they are not to imitate what they see if it will hurt them or other children. As for those children who are interested in doing what professional fighters do, their parents can take them to reputable training centers. The instructors at these locations will without a doubt teach kids the proper ideals of self defense, and how not to use dangerous techniques on anyone “for fun.” The same argument has been made against professional wrestling, and there have been instances of children being seriously injured and killed by moves inspired by professional wrestling, but this has not impeded sanctioning in the Empire State, nor prevented professional wrestling events from being held there.
Helwani’s look into the battle for New York sanctioning continued with a feature piece on the relationship between the powers that be in New York State, and their disputes with an organization run by the Fertitta brothers. I won’t give the whole details here, rather I encourage you to go read his entire piece on MMAFighting.com. However, when it comes down to it, there is a huge union battle that boils down to “he said, she said” arguments, and potential money to be made. Though many individuals did not comment on the full extent of the situation, it is very interesting that one of the groups who have opposed the financial growth of the Fertitta brothers has also contributed financially to the political career of Bob Reilly.
When this year began, it seemed as if MMA would be legalized in New York by the end of the year. However, it’s starting to look bleak. Here’s to hoping that people will listen to facts about the sport rather than the assumptions and biases of the sport’s opponents, and the people who are financing their voices.
