Joliet event being investigated after paralysis

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                                Joliet event being investigated after paralysis

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                        <a href="/go=news.detail&gid=386961" ><img class="photo" src="http://img.mixedmartialarts.com/method=get&rs=110&q=75&x=5&y=82&w=310&h=165&ro=0&s=jeff-dunbar.jpg" /></a>


                            <strong class="ArticleSource">[chicagotribune.com]</strong>


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The Will County State's Attorney's office is reviewing a Dec. 17 mixed martial arts event in Joliet, IL that resulted in a 20-year-old amateur becoming paralyzed, officials confirmed Wednesday.

"Obviously there was a serious injury that occurred," spokesman Charles Pelkie said. "The state's attorney wants to make certain the citizens of Will County are protected if these (MMA) events are going to be conducted."

He said the situation was "under serious review" to determine if criminal charges should be filed. Officials are reviewing all aspects of the event, including the promoters, the bar the show was held and any related boxing or MMA laws.

A minute into his fight at Mojoes, a downtown bar in Joliet, Jeff Dunbar tried a desperation move to escape the hold of his opponent. He fell forward and spiked his head into the canvas and his opponent landed on top of him.

It was Dunbar's seventh fight. Doctors said he will likely never walk again. He remains hospitalized and undergoes physical therapy daily.

Police Chief Mike Trafton confirmed the state's attorney asked them to investigate and they are doing so.

Following the state's attorney's review, the city of Joliet plans to develop an ordinance that would ensure further safeguards at MMA events, said Mayor Tom Giarrante.

A state law designed to provide better safeguards was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn last summer, but specific protections for amateur safety — including requiring promoters have insurance for fighters — won't take effect until a rulemaking process is complete. Dunbar would have been eligible for the insurance if the rules were in effect, Rep. Skip Saviano, a sponsor of the bill, has said.


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2

 is that where the blues brothers were from?

3

I'm all for making sure events are safer.

But.

This was the fighter's fault.

Not a promoter.

Precautions won't stop a guy from fucking spiking his own head into the mat as he gambles on trying to escape a precarious situation. Phone Post

4

I live 20 minutes from Joliet, il. That's crazy Phone Post

5

I hope this doesn't come off as fucked but I'm glad it was the spiker that was injured and not the spikee. Phone Post

6
JeffersonDArcyChoke - I'm all for making sure events are safer.

But.

This was the fighter's fault.

Not a promoter.

Precautions won't stop a guy from fucking spiking his own head into the mat as he gambles on trying to escape a precarious situation. Phone Post

Yes, but he should be covered by some insurance. Phone Post

7

SleepBomb -  is that where the blues brothers were from?

yes

8

I hate seeing stuff like this, Nobody deserves to be paralyzed like that.
However I also hate how some people are going to use things like this against mma. I'm terrified of the day when somebody dies in cage or during training accidents( it will happen eventually) and it gets blown out of proportion. Although somebody's death Is a big deal, deaths have happened in hockey, football, pro wrestling and many other contact sports. But it's going to get absolutely attacked due to the stigma with mma. Phone Post

9

Wow, this is terrible, I will pray for you and your family. I wish the best to a full recovery, people have recovered from injuries like this just keep pushing everyday.

10

Shitty way to see your hometown show up on the front page for once lol. Damn atleast I can say I moved. Phone Post

11

That move should be banned. It's much more dangerous than a lot of stuff that is banned.

12

come on commissions,ban this move already! what you waiting for,someone to die?

13

0superdave0 - 
Kostakio - I hope this doesn't come off as fucked but I'm glad it was the spiker that was injured and not the spikee. Phone Post

So your glad that 20 year old kids life is completely fucked up, good for you tough guy. I hope this doesn't come off as fucked but I would be glad if you were in a horrific car accident pussy


Thats NOT what he said, you sheep.

He is only saying that it would be WAY worse if a dude spiked his OPPONENT on their head and seriously injured them.

WTF is wrong w/you?

Couldnt you deduce that by yourself?

14
voorhees -
0superdave0 - 
Kostakio - I hope this doesn't come off as fucked but I'm glad it was the spiker that was injured and not the spikee. Phone Post

So your glad that 20 year old kids life is completely fucked up, good for you tough guy. I hope this doesn't come off as fucked but I would be glad if you were in a horrific car accident pussy


Thats NOT what he said, you sheep.

He is only saying that it would be WAY worse if a dude spiked his OPPONENT on their head and seriously injured them.

WTF is wrong w/you?

Couldnt you deduce that by yourself?

Thank you, Kind Sir.

It goes without saying that I don't wish that type of injury on anyone. I'm just saying that the spikee would suffer even worse if he was the one that got spiked. At least now this kid has no one to blame but himself so it makes slightly easier for him, not having someone to blame and be angry with. Ahhh, forget it... Phone Post

15

Well it is already against the rules, the refs just never enforce the rule. It should be ruled a DQ every time, there's no way we should continue to turn a blind eye to spiking, should have cracked down on it hard a long time ago, it's obviously far too dangerous to continue ignoring.

16

It's not against the rules if he choose to hold onto his Opponent, then intentional spiking is completely Legal. It is Illegal when you hold an Opponents HANDS or Feet and they cannot bait but if you are not doing so then you can spike them. I am not condoning such action or even saying it's okay for a moment but thats the rule I've asked it many times at a fighters meeting with different Referee's, so I reiterate as long as they maintain the ability to let go intentional spiking is not illegal.
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This is a tragic situation, my thoughts and prayers go out to him.

17

Tragic. Phone Post

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Very sad. I hope he beats the odds. Phone Post

19

Always thought it was spiking and think it should be banned.

20

"Well it is already against the rules..."

I thought it was legal because you are not actually dropping someone vertically onto their head. I think the rules should restrict this but I don't think this is any more illegal at the moment than various judo throw where someone is thrown forward directly onto their head.