Putting accountability in the game

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/11/2023 (693 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Traditionally, people who play sports do so at their peril; they assume the risk of any injury related to playing that sport.

While it is certainly important that athletes do what they can to mitigate the risk of incurring an athletic injury, injuries can and do occur. It is now mandatory in many leagues for athletes to wear protective equipment to reduce the risk of a serious injury.

An extreme example of an athletic injury was the recent tragic death of Adam Johnson during a professional hockey game in Sheffield, England. Adam’s death was initially described as a “freak accident” in which a player’s skate blade caused a fatal throat laceration.

Is it time to question whether when athletes step onto the playing field they should accept the risk of grievous bodily harm? Certainly, it is true that, historically, athletes have died because of injuries incurred during a competitive athletic event.

The most famous case in this regard was the unfortunate death of Bill Masterton during a Jan. 13, 1968 NHL hockey game. Masterton was the recipient of a clean body check which caused a catastrophic brain injury.

But the bigger question here is, was Adam Johnson’s injury the result of an innocent accident or the reckless actions of the opposing player?

Kari Johnson, Adam’s 61-year-old aunt, was quoted in the U.K. newspaper The Sun, as saying that she has reviewed the footage of Adam’s injury “hundreds of times.”

Her conclusion: “You don’t take your leg and kick somebody and cut their throat. That’s not a hockey play.”

In looking at the issue of violent incidents in sports, it seems that the police and the courts have been reluctant to rule that certain athletic actions cross a line into criminal activity.

Steve Downie cross-checked his teammate Akim Aliu in the mouth knocking out seven of Aliu’s teeth. Downie was never charged with assault.

Indeed, he went on to play for Canada’s World Junior Team and was drafted by Bobby Clarke and the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the NHL Draft.

Todd Bertuzzi sucker-punched Steve Moore and drove his head into the ice effectively ending Steve’s hockey career. Bertuzzi was charged with assault but received a conditional discharge.

Bertuzzi went on to play for Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Los Angeles Laker forward Kermit Washington delivered an unwarranted near-fatal punch to Houston Rocket forward Rudy Tomjanovich. Washington never faced any criminal charges.

In what other endeavour can you assault someone and get away with it? Where are the safeguards for the athletes who play sports for the love of the game?

In the case of Adam Johnson, the South Yorkshire Police are investigating the circumstances of Johnson’s death to determine whether the offending player should face criminal charges. It may be difficult to prove intent in the case of this player, but a precedent needs to be set.

It is time that the threat of prosecution and criminal liability is used to prevent and deter reckless actions.

If you have played sports competitively, you know that certain players push the boundaries of what is permissible under the rules of the sport. A few hockey players are notorious for injuring other players with hits from behind. These players then cry and complain that they didn’t mean to hurt anyone.

But it is not just hockey that needs to look at these issues.

What about the pickleball or tennis player who hits the ball at your head, an action which could result in a detached retina or other serious eye injury?

We need to ensure that sports are creating a safe environment for all athletes. It is not sufficient to operate on the basis that athletes of various ages assume all risks associated with playing their sport.

Reckless and dangerous behaviour should not be tolerated.

And anyone who thinks and acts otherwise should be penalized.

Mac Horsburgh is a former course conductor in Hockey Canada’s Speak Out program. He is also an avid pickleball player.