I am struggling to see the point being made in the article, its all nice and flowery, but really doesnt say much, other than about the author.

It seems to be touching on a discussion that's been had in various places* about possible links between aggressive male sporting activity and aggressive male behaviour in general (and towards women particularly).

From there, he seems to be questioning – albeit rather timidly – what his own enjoyment of aggressive male sport (particularly when there's a real barny on the pitch) says about him.





* There are a number of books on the subject – particularly related to gridiron.

I do remember reading an article some time ago about the huge spike in domestic violence on Superbowl Sunday in the US.

I personally think the whole issue is more to do with violent people rather than violent sports, i.e. if by inclination they are likely do commit such acts, then the sport is irellavent in any context other than they are in a better position to perpetrate the crime, or feel that they are actually too important to get into trouble for it

On this last part I am thinking of premier league footballers, NRL stars and the top players in Super League, how much they are told they are brilliant by the media, how little authority can be brought to bear on them etc. Does this have an effect on making them think they can get away with it?

The article also doesnt account for why soccer players are as bad as in any other sport, as are basketball players in the US, the physicallity of the sport I think is actually irellavent.

it is difficult to know exactly what his point is without seeing it in its context.

It appears to me to be an AFL supporter sticking the knife into the NRL but doing it subtley by linking the sport of Rl into the current attacks on NRL players over their rather dubious sexual and aggressive behaviour of the pitch.

Dont let your kids play RL or they will turn into rapists.

I have got to agree with you there DG, he specifically mentions how the ARL "cleaned itself up" too.

I'd agree. But it did seem to tap into that idea.

Additionally, I'd suggest that being able to let off steam while watching sport is a safe and useful outlet; a form of catharsis.

JB Down Under wrote: http://web.overland.org.au/?page_id=610 ` A player such as Les Boyd - suspended for fifteen months for eye-gouging Billy Johnstone and twelve months for breaking Darryl Brohman’s jaw with his elbow - was ultimately policed out of the game; the near-homicidal vigour which made him a Rugby League champion could not be reined in sufficiently for him to remain within the sport.` He did remain within the sport - just not in Australia ?

JB Down Under wrote: http://web.overland.org.au/?page_id=610 ` A player such as Les Boyd - suspended for fifteen months for eye-gouging Billy Johnstone and twelve months for breaking Darryl Brohman’s jaw with his elbow - was ultimately policed out of the game; the near-homicidal vigour which made him a Rugby League champion could not be reined in sufficiently for him to remain within the sport.` He did remain within the sport - just not in Australia ?