Former NRL star Kevin Proctor suffered a brutal knockout at a controversial ‘run it straight’ event in Dubai, where he faced off against social media influencer Jordan Simi. The event, which has been gaining traction on social media, involves participants charging directly at each other in a rugby-style collision.
The shocking incident, captured in viral footage, shows the former Kiwi international colliding with his opponent at high speed, resulting in Proctor being left motionless on the ground. Immediate concern was raised among organizers and spectators as medics rushed to his aid. The 36-year-old’s limbs reportedly went stiff, highlighting the severity of the impact.
Social media users reacted with horror. One user exclaimed,
‘What did I just watch!’
while another called it
‘Absolutely f**king disgusting.’
A third user expressed concern for Proctor’s well-being, saying,
‘Hope Proctor is okay after that knockout.’
The Rise of a Dangerous Trend
The ‘run it straight’ trend has become increasingly popular, with official competitions emerging in Sydney and New Zealand. However, the trend has not been without its critics, who point to its inherent dangers. Last month, the game turned deadly when New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge.
Event organizers, who offer significant cash prizes, claim to have medical staff on hand. However, trauma clinicians and neuroscientists have voiced their concerns. Dr. Helen Murray, a neuroscientist, criticized the event, stating,
‘There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There’s no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it.’
Professor Patria Hume, an expert in sports science and injury prevention, echoed these sentiments, describing the sport as
‘a step backwards.’
She added,
‘The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase the risk of long-term brain damage.’
Expert Opinions and Safety Concerns
Australian neurologist Dr. Alan Pearce also criticized the event, calling it
‘insanity.’
He emphasized,
‘You’re removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force.’
These expert opinions highlight the growing concern over the safety of such events, especially as they gain popularity among younger audiences.
Proctor, who played 283 NRL games for the Titans and Storm, has had a controversial past. In 2022, he was sacked following the ‘vape-gate’ incident, where he was caught vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game. The Titans fined him $15,000 and subsequently released him from the team.
Kevin Proctor’s Controversial Past
Aside from the vaping incident, Proctor has had other indiscretions throughout his rugby league career. In 2017, he was fined $20,000 and banned for four games after allegedly purchasing and consuming cocaine with fellow player Jesse Bromwich. Proctor claimed to have no recollection of the evening and was stood down as the club’s co-captain.
In 2020, Proctor faced further controversy when he was found guilty of biting Shaun Johnson during his 250th NRL appearance. Despite his denial, the evidence led to a four-match suspension. Proctor’s career has been marked by both his achievements, such as winning a premiership with the Storm, and his off-field controversies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ‘Run It Straight’
The ‘run it straight’ events continue to attract participants and viewers, but they also face increasing scrutiny and criticism. While some events have been postponed or canceled in recent weeks, the trend’s popularity suggests it may persist unless stricter regulations are introduced.
As the debate over the safety of these events continues, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of participants. Experts and critics alike urge for a reevaluation of the risks involved, emphasizing the need for safety measures to prevent further injuries or fatalities.
