Colorado Mammoth Message Board

Good Morning Steve,
Has there been a crack down by the head office in regards to letting fights go this year? In the 4 years prior, it seems that when two players get in to it, the refÂ’s step back and let them settle it up, then haul both players off to the box.

This year, it seems that all it takes for the refÂ’s to step in is a good pushing match and both players get carted after all 3 refÂ’s get involved with prying them apart.

Is the league trying to weed fighting out?

Thanks for your time.

There has been no mandate to have the officials stop fighting in the National Lacrosse League. While our team philosophy doesn't prohibit it, we don't encourage it either. We feel that winning games and being mentally tough is a much more intelligent approach to winning championships.

I think other teams are beginning to understand that winning fights doesn't necessarily translate into on field success. It may sell the occasional ticket but the long term success of our game is based on its finesse, athleticism and speed. There are some teams in the League that feel it is an important element for them, I hope it works for them.

Don't get me wrong I enjoy the odd tilt once in a while and was known in my day to be beaten up on occasion, but this is a philosophy that our staff feels is one that paints our organization in a more attractive light.

But the answer to the question is NO, the NLL is not trying to eliminate or even crack down on fighting. In fact, the officials' mechanic is to back away and let to willing combatants go at it if they choose to. It is just not happening as frequently as it used to.

SG