MSG Crowds Doubtful To See MMA; Bill Headed For KO In NY Assembly
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — A bill to legalize mixed martial arts in New York is in trouble again with the state Assembly wrapping up its session with no plans to approve it.
Assemblyman Steven Englebright of Suffolk County, one of the bill's sponsors, says legislators still have strong feelings on both sides and unless something extraordinary happens it won't pass this year. The bill cleared two Assembly committees earlier this month.
"There does not appear to be widespread support in the Assembly for this legislation," Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver told the New York Daily News earlier this month.
Backers say New York could regulate the sport like 45 other states do to protect fighters, while Madison Square Garden and other venues could draw big crowds.
Opponents say damage to fighters appears underreported and it's a bad example for children.
The Senate approved the bill in May as new UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, an upstate New York native, visited the chamber.
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