Athletes and fighting

There is always much debate and some handwringing in discussions of fighting in hockey. I am not a big fan of hockey fights but at least these guys can fight. Too many other athletes embarass themselves when they get into it on the field.

A recent case in Indy Racing League is a perfect example. I expect that as good young Canadian lads, both Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy laced up skates at some point. They likely weren't in any hockey fights though. Paul Tracy pulled a bonehead move on the track recently and Alex took exception. They argued and ended up in a scuffle. It was horrible to watch. They ended up flailing at each other like girls (with apologies to girls who can actually fight). Two men doing the windmill at each other while wearing helmets is just embarassing.

Basketball players are horrible at it too. And they are the master of the cheap shot. They should, however,stick to the cheap stuff. When they get into a confrontation and start throwing punches it looks like tall skinny guys waving their arms at each other.

They really shouldn't fight in the first place. However, if they choose to fight then don't embarass themselves. Have a real fight.