Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Death of a sportsman: gladiatorial guilt

By David Rowe - posted Tuesday, 2 December 2014


But when a player is badly maimed or dies, gladiatorial sport's illusions are suddenly exposed. This may be a theatre of dreams, but that is real flesh and blood on the stadium stage.

Last week the series against India was eagerly anticipated as the legitimate start to an epic summer of cricket that will end next March at the MCG with the ICC World Cup final.

However, after the Hughes trauma, last summer's braggadocio has suddenly shrivelled. Now the psychological readiness of the players is in doubt, and questions asked about who will bowl the first bouncer – or even whether one should be bowled at all.

Advertisement

Reflecting seriously on this sorrowful event demands more than simple mourning or suggesting helmet design improvements. Death rarely visits cricket so disconcertingly, but the senseless loss of Phillip Hughes should prompt those who see sport as crash-test cartoons without consequences to come to their senses.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

14 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Dr David Rowe, FAHA, FASSA is Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Western Sydney University; Honorary Professor, University of Bath; and Research Associate, SOAS University of London.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by David Rowe

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of David Rowe
Article Tools
Comment 14 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy