There are far more pressing issues than Toughman fights
Gov. Phil Bredesen’s efforts to ban Toughman competitions in Tennessee are misguided. There are far more pressing issues for him to deal with. Besides, there is no evidence these events are any more dangerous than countless other things the public has the right to do.
Bredesen’s argument is predicated upon the safety issue, and goes like this: These competitions are unsafe because they pit untrained, unconditioned amateurs against each other. And it’s true. Some people have died while competing in Toughman competitions — a grand total of 13 in 25 years and none of those in Tennessee. Deaths from other potentially dangerous activities such as motorcycle riding, riding all terrain vehicles and even boating far exceed those numbers. People have the right to take reasonable risks that don’t endanger public safety.
Toughman contests provide protective gear to fighters and match them for age and weight. Referees and doctors also are present at the events. Bredesen’s safety argument simply doesn’t hold water. Both Toughman and Rough and Ready Brawls, which promote toughman- style competitions, recognize the danger inherent to their events. And both take reasonable safety precautions.
Toughman and similar competitions should be allowed to operate. And Tennesseans should be free to choose for themselves whether they participate.