ON THE MARK.

HE LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST.  NOW HE'S DEAD.

The headline could refer to just about any young person involved in sports.  Especially "extreme" sports.  In this case, it's about the death of Caleb Moore, the innovative freestyle snowmobile rider who died following a crash at the Winter X games in Colorado. 
The 25 year old was attempting a backflip when the skis on his 450-pound snowmobile caught the lip of the landing area, sending him flying over the handlebars. Moore landed face first into the snow with his snowmobile rolling over him.  He died in hospital the next day.  It's just the latest in a string of unnecessary deaths featuring young daredevils who try to balance the thrill with the inherent risk of their sport.   Auto racers have been walking that tightrope for years.  Gilles Villeneuve, Ayrton Senna, and Dale Earnhardt were at their absolute peak when they perished on the track.   They knew the risks.  They chose to take them.  They lived life to the fullest.  Now, they're dead.
     A little over a year ago, we were shocked when 29 year old Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke died in a training accident at Park City, Utah.  The accident occurred on the halfpipe, where a safety issue had been raised two years earlier after snowboarder Kevin Pearce suffered a serious brain injury there.  Let's face it, youngsters nowadays appear eager to take more chances with their lives than in previous generations.  Perhaps it's the "Jackass" culture.  Maybe the "thrill of victory" is just too enticing for some.  And maybe, instead of bashing heads with other football players and risking concussion and permanent brain damage, they feel safer doing backflips on snowmobiles.
    Recently, more and more parents have expressed concern that their kids games were getting too dangerous.  Football and hockey especially, have seen a huge rise in reported concussions.  Years ago, it was considered "cowardly" to report a concussion.  Playing hurt was a badge of honour, even if your head was aching and you didn't know where you were.  Take yourself out of the game and you may not get another chance, or you'll be labeled a "sissy".  Well guess what, that ship has already sailed.  Junior Seau killed himself after a 20 year career as an NFL linebacker. He was 44.  Mike Webster killed himself after 17 years as an NFL center.  He was 50.   Dave Duerson killed himself after 11 years as an NFL defensive back.  He was 52.  Wade Belak played 14 NHL seasons before killing himself.  He was 35.  All four men took blows to the head for a living.  Maybe thousands of them.  Some concussions were reported, but most were ignored.  Was it the fault of the player, or the culture of the sport they played?   Probably both.
      You can put in as many safety measures as you want, but sports fans nowadays want action.  Whether it's flying through the air on a snowmobile, walking across Niagara Falls on a steel cable, or driving a motor vehicle 300 kilometres per hour, thrills and risk make people sit up and pay attention.  The spotlight is there if you want it, so long as you understand the risks and are willing to accept them.   After Moore's death, X Games officials said that they would conduct a thorough review of freestyle snowmobiling events and adopt any appropriate change.   "For 18 years, we have worked closely on safety issues with athletes, course designers and other experts. Still, when the world's best compete at the highest level in any sport, risks remain," they said, noting that Moore was hurt performing a move he had done several times before.   I have to admit, I love watching these athletes push the limits.  It makes for fabulous competition and wonderful drama.  Unfortunately, I just hate having to see them die so young.   Fame and fortune come at a high price.

Here's my Super Bowl prediction:   San Francisco 27 Baltimore 17.   As much as I love the Niners in this one, I hate Baltimore just as much because of Ray Lewis.   Just the thought of him running around, yelling, screaming and eating hunks of dirt makes me nauseous.   He is not a role model nor a man I hold in high regard.  Sure, he's a good football player, but none of his human qualities appeals to me.
Have a great weekend!