Lift the Ban Watch: New York

The Glens Fall (NY) Post Star has this scarifying perspective from a NY state legislator who will be voting on the bill:

State Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward wasn't certain which inner voice will win out today when she votes on whether to advance a bill that would legalize ultimate fighting in New York.

"As a mother, my gut is telling me this is not a good thing to do -- to let people get in a ring and let people hit each other and pound each other on any part of the body. It looks to me like there really is no holds barred," Sayward, R-Willsboro, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

On the other hand, she realizes the possible economic impact from the sport, which combines techniques of boxing, wrestling and other martial arts.

A promoter has expressed interest in holding professional ultimate fighting events at the Glens Falls Civic Center if the sport is legalized in New York, said Jason Blumenfeld, the arena's general manager.

"Certainly we don't want to do anything that's going to inhibit wonderful things from happening at the center," Sayward said.

She serves on the Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Development Committee, which is scheduled to vote on the bill today.

On the one hand, she wants to impose her narrow-minded "morality" on everyone and ban a sport she doesn't understand, on the other hand, she wants money spent at the convention center. Hopefully greed will win out.

HT Fight Opinion.