WWF officials did not immediately return telephone calls seeking comment. An official with the rival World Championship Wrestling, the nation's other major pro wrestling organization, said his company was saddened to learn of the Dallas boy's death. WCW spokesman Alan Sharp also said his company is not responsible. He said that about 10 percent of WCW's viewers are between 2 and 11 years old, and an additional 11 percent or so are teens. Police did not blame the popular wrestling programs for the boy's death but cautioned parents to be wary of them.
Parents are responsible for what their kids are seeing on TV, when it comes right down to it.
Local authorities said they are not aware of any other deaths or serious injuries from wrestling-related moves. But police and Dr. Barnard said they knew of a handful of similar deaths or serious injuries involving teens in other states. This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or IE 4.0.