Recently New York Times columnist Anna Quindlen said that watching sports like professional football leads to the battering of women by their husbands. Karras, by the way, is also the guy who knocked out the horse in Mel Brooks classic comedy Blazing Saddles . There is little doubt, even among coaches and players, that the essence of football is controlled violence. However, the general effect of this violence on spectators is unclear.
Some psychologists say it's a civilized way of venting human aggression.
Others believe it's destructive, especially for to impressionistic youngsters. Still others argue that the effect bad depends upon the predisposition of the fan. Just as uncertain is the specific relationship of football violence to the millions of women who are abused each year by husbands, friends and lovers. But, as Quindlen mentioned, people working at women's shelters report an increase in assaults after professional football games. This observation is supported by at least one study.