Violence in Sports is Inevitable

Violence is widespread in sports, with roots in ancient times. When violence increases in sports, fan attendance and TV viewership goes up.

Fans have a thirst for violence and studies show that, within limits, as aggression goes up, so does viewership.

Among theories for why people like watching hard-hitting sports, some psychologists have proposed that fans experience a sense of catharsis from viewing blows and wrecks. Others have suggested that watching others be aggressive helps people vicariously release their own pent-up emotions.

Whatever the reason, fans demand a certain level of violence, at least for some sports. In hockey, for example, studies show that more violence leads to higher attendance at NHL games -- even though excessive aggression reduces a team's chance of winning. Meanwhile, the wildly brutal sport of mixed martial arts is growing rapidly. And a fireball explosion during the Daytona 500 boosted ratings that led to national headlines.

Awareness is the key component in changing the culture of sports today. John Greenburg-Sports Historian and Author of "The Grand Old Man: Amos Alonzo Stagg joins us for invigorating conversation on the violent state of sports LIVE at BEYONDtheCheers on blogtalkradio, Wednesday July 10th @ 7PM. Dial-in TOLL FREE 1-877-357-2448 in Canada and United States to ask a question, or email in advance.