03-17-2004, 08:24 PM
Hockey is my favorite sport, and I have no problem with the fights. As someone mentioned (didn't read EVERYTHING), the fights are watched closely by refs and linesmen. They throw punches, try to take off jerseys, and if it gets out of hand or they fall down, the officials break it up. The Bertuzzi thing, like McSorley and Granato in the past, was as someone said, a cheap shot. The sport is quite violent, it's the most exhausting sport (at least among the popular professional sports), and that's part of what people accept in the game. I'd venture to say way more players have died in other sports, however, and received more serious injuries more often. They are being paid to play, they know what can happen, and it's simply their choice. It's not like we're forcing them to do it. As for a message to kids... like anything else, if you think it's too violent or too suggestive, then parents should keep them from watching it. It's individual decision, and the sport itself shouldn't be criticized.