Former NRL star Kevin Proctor suffered a brutal knockout at a controversial ‘run it straight’ event in Dubai, where he collided with social media influencer Jordan Simi. The event, which mimics rugby-style collisions, has been gaining traction on social media but has sparked significant criticism due to its dangerous nature.
The incident occurred overnight, leaving Proctor, a 36-year-old former Kiwi international, writhing on the ground after a high-speed collision. Footage of the event quickly circulated on social media, showing Proctor’s arms and legs going stiff as medics rushed to his aid. Spectators and organizers expressed immediate concern, with one social media user exclaiming, “What did I just watch!”
Controversial Trend Gains Momentum
The ‘run it straight’ trend has seen a surge in popularity, leading to official competitions in Sydney and New Zealand. Despite the excitement surrounding these events, they have been met with growing criticism from medical professionals. The collision game turned deadly last month when New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge.
RUNIT event organizers claim to have medical staff on-site, but experts remain skeptical. Neuroscientist Dr. Helen Murray labeled the event an “unacceptable risk,” emphasizing the high likelihood of head injuries. “There’s no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,” she told the NZ Herald.
Expert Opinions on Safety Concerns
Professor Patria Hume, an expert in sports science and injury prevention, criticized the event as “a step backwards.” She highlighted the clear scientific evidence linking repeated head impacts to long-term brain damage. “This is a reckless and dangerous spectacle,” she stated.
Australian neurologist Dr. Alan Pearce echoed these sentiments, describing the event as “insanity.” He argued that the challenge removes skill and strategy, replacing them with sheer force. “You’re removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force,” he said.
Kevin Proctor’s Troubled Past
Kevin Proctor’s career has been marred by several controversies. In 2022, he was sacked by the Titans following the ‘vape-gate’ incident, where he posted a video of himself vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game. The Titans fined him $15,000 and labeled his actions “dumb.”
Proctor’s history of indiscretions extends beyond vaping. In 2017, he was fined $20,000 and banned for four games after allegedly purchasing and consuming cocaine with fellow player Jesse Bromwich. Despite claiming he couldn’t remember the evening in question, Proctor was stood down as the club’s co-captain.
In 2020, Proctor faced a four-match suspension after being found guilty of biting Shaun Johnson during his 250th NRL appearance. Although he denied the charge, the evidence was compelling enough for the NRL match review committee to uphold the suspension.
Future of ‘Run It Straight’ Events
The rise of ‘run it straight’ events in Australia and New Zealand has seen cash prizes on offer, attracting participants despite the risks. However, recent weeks have seen several events postponed or canceled due to safety concerns and public backlash.
As the debate over the safety of these events continues, the focus remains on the potential for serious injury. With experts voicing strong opposition, the future of ‘run it straight’ competitions hangs in the balance. The incident involving Kevin Proctor serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in such spectacles.
As discussions around safety and regulation intensify, the sporting community and event organizers face mounting pressure to address the risks associated with these high-impact challenges. The coming months may see increased scrutiny and calls for stricter safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
