Post by The Curmudgeon on Mar 15, 2012 2:10:46 GMT 2
Over in the Curmudgeon's lair, Oklahoma is known for a few things; it's where wrestling's greatest commentator and now talent spotter Jim Ross is born. It's also where some of the best wrestling talent in the world were born.
Which makes this news all the more baffling.
PRO WRESTLING AND ALL OTHER COMBAT SPORTS BANNED IN OKLAHOMA AT END OF THE MONTH
by Mike Johnson @ 10:44 AM on 3/14/2012
This is enough to make Danny Hodge cry.
The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission sent out letters last week to promoter announcing that they will not be accepting applications for pro wrestling, MMA and boxing events to be held in the State beyond 3/31, effectively banning the events from legally taking place in the State.
The letter noted that the Commission is being "threatened" by an "Out of State threat that could greatly affect the Commission's ability to provide for public safety and for the health and safety of the athletes" competing in the State.
The State currently taxes PPV buys made by Oklahoma residents 4%, no matter where the events are held. The flagship MMA company UFC has made it clear they intend to sue the Commission to stop the tax from continuing. The Commission is claiming that without the tax, they cannot maintain the overhead needed as an authority. The tax currently accounts for 2/3rds of their budget.
Until the threat of the lawsuit is resolved, the Commission has yanked all licenses, including for events already set and scheduled, as of 3/31.
So if you live in that state and you're a fan of any combat sports (or sports entertainment, if you like), then you're pretty much screwed. Quite how you can put a blanket ban on a recognised and legitimate stable of sports and athletics is beyond me. Not only are these sports not breaking any rules (they're as safe as they possibly can be, and pose a substantially smaller health risk than, say, NASCAR or something), and not to mention boxing, wrestling and MMA all bring in a fucking TON of money.
Not sure what happens in schools and collages now. "So you want to be a MMA fighter, son? That's great. You've got all the tools. You're big, you're strong, you're fast.. you could go all the way. Just don't expect a hometown crowd any time soon."
Makes no sense.
Which makes this news all the more baffling.
PRO WRESTLING AND ALL OTHER COMBAT SPORTS BANNED IN OKLAHOMA AT END OF THE MONTH
by Mike Johnson @ 10:44 AM on 3/14/2012
This is enough to make Danny Hodge cry.
The Oklahoma State Athletic Commission sent out letters last week to promoter announcing that they will not be accepting applications for pro wrestling, MMA and boxing events to be held in the State beyond 3/31, effectively banning the events from legally taking place in the State.
The letter noted that the Commission is being "threatened" by an "Out of State threat that could greatly affect the Commission's ability to provide for public safety and for the health and safety of the athletes" competing in the State.
The State currently taxes PPV buys made by Oklahoma residents 4%, no matter where the events are held. The flagship MMA company UFC has made it clear they intend to sue the Commission to stop the tax from continuing. The Commission is claiming that without the tax, they cannot maintain the overhead needed as an authority. The tax currently accounts for 2/3rds of their budget.
Until the threat of the lawsuit is resolved, the Commission has yanked all licenses, including for events already set and scheduled, as of 3/31.
So if you live in that state and you're a fan of any combat sports (or sports entertainment, if you like), then you're pretty much screwed. Quite how you can put a blanket ban on a recognised and legitimate stable of sports and athletics is beyond me. Not only are these sports not breaking any rules (they're as safe as they possibly can be, and pose a substantially smaller health risk than, say, NASCAR or something), and not to mention boxing, wrestling and MMA all bring in a fucking TON of money.
Not sure what happens in schools and collages now. "So you want to be a MMA fighter, son? That's great. You've got all the tools. You're big, you're strong, you're fast.. you could go all the way. Just don't expect a hometown crowd any time soon."
Makes no sense.
