Nobody can deny that sports are a big source of money. Advertisements, sponsors, food at the stadium—money comes in by the billions, and it’s all because of the fans’ interest in the sport.
Some people are willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars for a ticket to the Super Bowl, an event in which crazed fans often travel across the country, shoving rubbery hot-dogs down their throats.
But it isn’t just the artificially processed, meatless meat that attracts spectators to overly crowded stadiums, hotels, and cities. It’s the jarring hits, breathtaking collisions, and gruesome injuries that make the world of sports as unpredictable as it is.
Imagine football without the raw physicality. Speaking of the Super Bowl, Ray Lewis, one of the most violent players to ever play the game of football, received more attention during the playoffs than any player who took the field the last month of the season. This included the championship, which he prevailed in to close out what many describe as a legendary career.
Football isn’t the same without Clay Matthews’ seductive celebration moves after a crushing sack, or a forced fumble that leaves an opponent on the ground, gasping for air. These hits add risk, which excites fans and players alike. They give life to the game, inspire the athletes to fight on, motivate them to believe that they have a chance, even when the scoreboard says otherwise.
The 2013 Outback Bowl featured Michigan and South Carolina, two prestigious football organizations. With Michigan up 22-21 late in the game, Jadeveon Clowney put a stunning hit on Michigan running back Vincent Smith, knocking both his helmet and the ball loose. Not only did South Carolina regain possession, but the momentum shifted in their favor, and riled all the players up, leading to an eventual win for the Gamecocks.
And by the way. that play is still shown on sports television stations around the country.
Violence in hockey is just as crucial to the outcome of the game. Nothing changes the momentum more than dominating a fight or sending your opponent, who could be traveling at speeds up to 35 mph, flying towards the boards. It’s crucial to an organization’s success; most of the time, the two most physical teams battle it out for a championship.
Physical play leads to success, but more importantly, it leads to more entertainment for the fans. Much of the money raked in by the sports world comes from fans, whether it’s money spent on actually going to watch the game, special television packages, or miscellaneous sports equipment. Because of this, leagues can’t afford to do anything that could potentially turn people away.
Sports are more enthralling when they are surrounded by thrill and controversy. It’s the reason people are up in arms about Manti Te’o’s ‘girlfriend.’ It’s the reason people drooled at their televisions during the Saints’ bounty program scandal.
It’s the reason we cannot afford to lose any violence in sports.
Athletes know the risk. It’s one they’re willing to take.
