Canadian National Boxing Champions $1,000,000 Hand Injury Case Upheld on Appeal

May 22, 2013

(Cross-Published at the BC Injury Law Blog) ___________________________________________________________________________ In an example that a similar injury can have profoundly different consequences for different people depending on their chosen profession, last year a Vancouver Jury awarded professional boxer  Jegbefumere ‘Bone’ Albert  just over $1,000,000 following a traumatic hand injury caused in a motor vehicle collision which negatively impacted … More Canadian National Boxing Champions $1,000,000 Hand Injury Case Upheld on Appeal

Can the UFC Outright Ban TRT?

May 21, 2013

For those of you not up to speed on the topic, the use of TRT is generally prohibited in sanctioned MMA as the use of testosterone replacement agents runs afoul of anti-doping regulations.  There is a concern, however, that athletes are abusing a Therapeutic Use Exemption, and getting around this prohibition to gain an unfair advantage. In Canada and the US, regulated … More Can the UFC Outright Ban TRT?

Would Pat Healy Still Have His Money if UFC 159 Occurred in British Columbia?

May 18, 2013

OK, with BC’s new legislative framework in place regulating professional MMA and with Marc Ratner’s confirmation that BC is back on the UFC’s map its time to have some fun with hypotheticals. What if Pat Healy’s failed marijuana drug test following UFC 159 occurred under BC’s new regime? For those of you that don’t know the story, following his last … More Would Pat Healy Still Have His Money if UFC 159 Occurred in British Columbia?

Thanks to Bill 50 BC is Back on the UFC’s Map

May 17, 2013

Build it and they will come….a legislative framework that is. As recently discussed, BC’s Athletic Commissioner Act will be up and running at the end of the month.  And with this legislative framework now in place which adopts the Unified Rules and creates a Province wide Commission it did not take long for the UFC … More Thanks to Bill 50 BC is Back on the UFC’s Map

“Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s Time!” BC’s Athletic Commission Coming Into Focus

May 15, 2013

At the end of the month BC’s Athletic Commissioner Act will be in force.  Once in force all “professional” MMA and Boxing Events in BC will be regulated by the provincial commission with Vancouver and other local governments being given the ability to outlaw the sport with the passing of local bylaws. BC’s First Athletic … More “Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s Time!” BC’s Athletic Commission Coming Into Focus

Concussion Lawsuits – Are the Floodgates About to Open in the MMA World?

May 13, 2013

This weekend another sports related concussion lawsuit has hit the media.  This time  its the NHL making headlines. The family of late enforcer, Derek Boogaard, has filed a wrongful death claim against the NHL arguing the League is responsible for brain damage the feared fighter sustained in his years playing professional hockey.  He had at … More Concussion Lawsuits – Are the Floodgates About to Open in the MMA World?

Why Post Concussive Consequences Should Not Be Blacked Out By the UFC

May 8, 2013

              As an MMA fan and lawyer who deals with the consequences of concussive injuries in my professional life I have conflicting feelings when it comes to witnessing a knock out in combat sports.  While it is the most exciting way a fight can end there are well understood potentially long … More Why Post Concussive Consequences Should Not Be Blacked Out By the UFC

Making Weight, Fighter Safety and Avoiding Tragedy

May 7, 2013

In a competitive world it often pays to take initiative instead of simply being reactive.  The same holds true in the world of regulation.  It is important to introduce forward thinking legislation instead of waiting for a tragedy to occur before bringing legal change.  This leads to today’s topic, rapid weight loss in combat sports and foreseeable tragedy. MMA, as with all weight-restricted sports, comes … More Making Weight, Fighter Safety and Avoiding Tragedy

Does the MFC’s Ban on WMMA Violate Human Rights Legislation?

May 3, 2013

With MMA’s ever growing popularity comes a greater need to comply with legislative requirements.  This is clearly in the long term interests of the sport and will help accelerate mainstream acceptance.  With this in mind Mark Pavelich, the outspoken CEO of Canada’s longest running Mixed Martial Arts organization (the MFC), voiced recent comments worthy of scrutiny. In an … More Does the MFC’s Ban on WMMA Violate Human Rights Legislation?

What Are the Risks of Chronic Brain Damage For Retired Athletes?

May 1, 2013

The answer, surprisingly, may be scientifically uncertain.  That said, some common sense observations can be used to bridge this scientific gap to conclude that there are real risks associated with long term participation in contact sport. Without marginalizing the discussion surrounding concussive injury and potential long term health implications, a recent study was published earlier this … More What Are the Risks of Chronic Brain Damage For Retired Athletes?