Fight Biz Quote: The Arizona Republic
October 2, 2008
However, if all that it took to legalize an activity was the consent of participants, there would be no laws against prostitution or drug use. And with blood sports, if legal acceptance were based solely on the willingness of combatants, then why not allow volunteers to fight to the death, gladiator style? For the right money, we’d find plenty of competitors.
We might even consider transforming the daily tourist entertainment in Tombstone into real gunfights. Imagine the pay-per-view numbers, the TV ratings, the tax revenue.
Of course, that would never happen. We would never allow that to happen. Would we?
–Ed Montini, of The Arizona Republic, reacting to the recent passage of legislation legalizing MMA in Arizona. To paraphrase an old cliche, you can lead a horse to water (by legalizing and offering MMA), but you can’t make it drink (actually getting the press to cover it in a fair manner). Montini’s words only serve to underscore the preconceptions held by mainstream media members and that there is still going to be a battle for respect even when legalization comes.
