Previous Research on Sports Violence
In discussion on how fans relate to sports violence, researchers are looking at three main areas. These areas are viewers’ enjoyment of sports violence, the distinction between aggression and violence, and gender differences in views of sports violence.
Researchers have found that fans find violence exciting which draws them into viewing it and enjoying it. In fact, sports violence draws so much excitement that sports violence is constantly becoming more prevalent in American society (Pollack, 2007; Raney & Kinnally, 2007; Raney & Depalma, 2006). Bryant, Comisky and Zillmann (1981) referenced former coach of the Green Bay Packers Vince Lombardi who said the reason fans love football is because it is a violent sport.
Researchers have also found that there is a scale of aggression that distinguishes between what is acceptable aggression and excessive violence. Beck and Bosshart (2003) compared sport to war saying that there are rules and limitations to violence and there is a certain level at which violence is unacceptable. A great deal of what is and is not acceptable comes from the particular sport because the aggression level in wrestling is different from the aggression level in figure skating.
Discussion of the difference in views between the genders has garnered the least research. However, researchers have recognized the importance of gender in communication. Studies have shown that males gravitate towards “combative sports,” while females gravitate towards “stylistic sports” meaning that men are attracted to sports with higher levels of violence than women (Sargent, Zillmann & Weaver, 1998, p. 60).
