New York State Senate Passes MMA Bill

By On June 17, 2010 · 15 Comments

(Note – Breaking the norm of one post a day for something that’s important to yours truly. To read today’s earlier post and ongoing discussion regarding “tolerance” click here.)

The New York Senate has passed the bill to regulate and legalize MMA in New York State (article by the Times Union’s Casey Seiler). The vote was a narrow 32-26 and included some hilarious reactions, many of which are included in the link provided.

On a grander scale, the statements opponents made and the attitudes they have towards the sport are indicative of a systemic shortfall of context, relativity, and rationale. Most are falling on views of the sport in its infancy, when it bore no resemblance to what we see now.

I offer to all New York State legislators my services and ear in listening to and addressing their concerns, as well as explaining to them the finer points of the sport. Unfortunately I have a sneaking suspicion that, much like with Assemblyman Bob Reilly, they want to hear none of it. They seem married to their views regardless of the facts of the sitaution. If men with far greater knowledge and expertise of the sport can’t sway them, I probably don’t have much of a chance either; but, at the very least, I’m putting it out there.

The bill now has to pass through the Assembly. It faces a tough road ahead not just in the vote, but also in the ongoing budget fiasco in the Legislature.

Previously:

(originall posted at MarshallMMA.com)

 
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  • http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/ Kevin Marshall

    To head off comments at the pass – I’m sure Casey and others are aware that the name of the sport is actually “MMA” and not “Ultimate Fighting”; unfortunately, AP Style (incorrectly) dictates usage as “Ultimate Fighting.”

  • http://www.chuckthewriter.com Chuck Miller

    Great, does this mean that the battle to find a parking spot in front of the Washington Avenue Armory can now be re-classified as a “mixed martial arts” match, especially if it’s a battle between a Chrysler and a Harley-Davidson?

    • http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/ Kevin Marshall

      Pulling Guard = Putting it in Park

  • Chris

    “Democrat Diane Savino compared MMA to the days of the gladiators, when Christians and Jews were fed to the lions.”

    That’s… I don’t even… *facepalm*

  • http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/ Kevin Marshall

    Hey, Chris, remember that time a lion slowly devoured Quinton “Rampage” Jackson live on pay-per-view?

  • Paul G.

    Rampage might of just picked the lion up and tossed it around for a bit…unless that lions name was Rashad.
    In reality though this is great news. For much to long MMA has faced unjust controversy. Not to mention the headline fights will bring boat loads of $$$ to the area.

  • http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/ Kevin Marshall

    Paul G. – Yeah, now that I think about it, Rampage did get absolutely mauled by Rashad. So I see where she may have drawn the parallels.

  • J

    Won’t someone think of the Children?!?!?!

    If they outlaw MMA I am going after every martial arts training center in the capital district…. they are training our youth to be thugs!!!

  • Em

    I think they should pass it if only because it would help my argument that the Governor should accept my fisticuffs on the Senate floor (fundraiser to fix the deficit) challenge.
    Alas, Paterson is a poooossy.

  • Falconnier

    Wonderful. One more step towards legalized thuggery.
    Prattle on all you will about the so-called “sport” – it’s nothing more than a couple of steroid-jacked microcephalic twits beating the sh#t out of each other. And now we glorify it and give it the imprimatur of validity by legalizing it.

    It’s nothing more than the modern equivalent of the Roman circuses that _our_ bourgeousie is using to distract the populace so they can rule undisturbed.

    F.

    • http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/ Kevin Marshall

      True story, guys. The Seven Bankers who run the world’s economy met with the upper echelon of The Illuminati to develop the Unified Rules of MMA that all Athletic Commissions follow. Just so I’d be distracted!

      Hey, F., I got some numbers of some folks who can run with this story. You two can team up and blow the lid off it.

  • Falconnier

    Kevin,

    Your complete and utter lack of awareness proves my point.

  • Paul G.

    Steroids? Do you know ANYTHING about MMA? Fighters are tested for performance enhancing drugs before fights. If you actually took the time to do your research you would know this. I encourage you to visit our local martial arts schools and ask them about MMA and its regulations.
    Your ignorance of combat sports is apparent so please refrain from flat out lying about these fighters as they are amazing athletes and in the best physical shape.

  • http://blog.timesunion.com/marshall/ Kevin Marshall

    Paul,

    Obviously from the last comment just a troll. Or a kid who’s just trying way too hard to appear smart. Either way, not worth the effort or the energy.

    Not that I’m sorry I engaged, because I amuse myself to no end.

  • http://blogs.timesunion.com/gamers Paul G.

    True enough but there is enough false representation regarding MMA as it is. As a martial artist myself I feel it a responsibility to talk about these things to people who blindly attack something they don’t understand. Your right it’s probably not worth it but like Yoda when they wanted to outlaw being a jedi, I will fight on.