Ex-NRL forward 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 took place overnight, has sparked widespread debate due to its risky nature and the sickening footage circulating on social media.
The ‘run it straight’ trend, popularized on social media, involves participants charging directly at each other to mimic a rugby-style collision. In the video, the former Kiwi international is seen colliding with his opponent at high speed, resulting in Proctor being flattened and left writhing on the ground. His arms and legs went stiff, prompting immediate concern from organizers and spectators as medics rushed to assist the 36-year-old.
Reactions on social media were swift and critical.
‘What did I just watch!’ posted one X user. ‘Absolutely f**king disgusting,’ replied another. ‘Hope Proctor is okay after that knockout,’ added a third.
Controversy Surrounding ‘Run It Straight’ Events
The ‘run it straight’ trend has gained popularity, with official competitions emerging in Sydney and New Zealand. However, the events have drawn criticism for their dangerous nature, especially after New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge last month.
RUNIT event organizers offer substantial cash prizes and claim to have medical staff on-site. However, trauma clinicians and experts remain skeptical. Neuroscientist Dr. Helen Murray labeled the event an unacceptable risk, 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 concerns, describing the sport as ‘a step backwards.’ She emphasized,
‘This is a reckless and dangerous spectacle. The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage.’
Expert Opinions and Safety Concerns
Australian neurologist Dr. Alan Pearce also criticized the event, calling it ‘insanity.’ He noted,
‘You’re removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force.’
These expert opinions highlight the growing concern over the safety and ethics of such events.
Despite the backlash, the trend continues to attract participants and audiences, with events popping up in Australia and New Zealand. However, due to safety concerns and recent incidents, some events have been postponed or canceled.
Kevin Proctor’s Turbulent History
Kevin Proctor, who played 283 NRL games for the Titans and Storm, has had a tumultuous career marked by both achievements and controversies. In 2022, he was sacked following the infamous ‘vape-gate’ incident, where he posted a video of himself vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game, violating stadium rules.
The Titans fined Proctor $15,000 and described his actions as ‘dumb.’ This incident was not the first time Proctor faced disciplinary action. In 2017, he was fined $20,000 and banned for four games by the Titans after allegedly purchasing and consuming cocaine with fellow player Jesse Bromwich. Proctor claimed he could not remember the events of that evening and was subsequently stood down as the club’s co-captain.
Additionally, in 2020, Proctor was found guilty of biting Shaun Johnson during his 250th NRL appearance, resulting in a four-match suspension. Despite his denial, the NRL match review committee upheld the charge based on photographic evidence.
Proctor, a Kiwi-born player, won a premiership with the Storm before his tenure with the Titans and has appeared in 22 Tests for New Zealand. His career, while illustrious, has been marred by these off-field incidents.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ‘Run It Straight’
The controversy surrounding ‘run it straight’ events raises questions about their future. As safety concerns mount and expert opinions continue to highlight the risks, organizers may face increasing pressure to implement stricter safety measures or even reconsider the viability of such events altogether.
For Kevin Proctor, the incident in Dubai serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in high-impact sports. As he recovers, the broader conversation about safety in sports and the responsibilities of event organizers continues to evolve, with potential implications for similar events worldwide.
