<snip> [log in to unmask] wrote:
 
<The question becomes "When are actions so vulgar or dangerous that
<hockey penalties are insufficient protection of persons and society?".
 
<snip> [log in to unmask] wrote:
 
<I think what one must do is distinguish between rough play that goes over
<the top (with its mandated penalties from the rules of the game) and an
<intent to injure someone that goes beyond the accidental or instant
<adrenalin rush in the heat of a game.
 
 
Absolutely. When intent to injure actions occur, even in the sporting arena, 
those acts should not be ABOVE the law.
 
This October Salei checked Modano into the boards from behind giving him a 
concussion and severe neck strain bordering on immobilizing — Salei got a 
game misconduct.  A week later, Modano threatened retirement. I read it was a 
vicious, intent to harm  hit.  When these kinds of illegal, or intent to harm 
behaviors are used to win games, it's like disposing of preparation and skill 
for  cheating.  These violent behaviors are being coached to win games on all 
levels of the sport. When behavior crosses the line and becomes a criminal 
offense, on the ice, in the box, it should be enforced as such. Violence in 
life or as part of a game strategy, in general, SHOULD NOT make one a winner. 
Citizenship both on and  off the ice. Players themselves say, respect or 
concern for other players has become a dinosaur. 
 
NHL corporate sponsors validate illegal injury causing behavior by  
glorifying and rewarding it as newsworthy, entertaining and perhaps even 
commercially advantageous. Intermission scoreboards feature the roughest 
play.  The contradiction: Back breakers and brawlers are not trophied and 
salaried up the...!  Yet, they play a very important part of marketing 
strategy. Winning a game with a right hook to some player's head should be 
punishable by law, not rewarded with an article by GQ.  (-:
 
 
 
Vicki 
 
 
 
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