Reports: Alleged trend of 'knockout game' a myth

[flowers]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/26/knockout-game-myth/3729635/

Some news organizations are refuting the existence of an alleged phenomenon known as the "knockout game" that has been the subject of media warnings in recent weeks.

According to reports by CNN, the Today show, USA TODAY and others, the game takes place when young people randomly assault strangers in an attempt to knock them out with one punch.

The attacks are leading to arrests, more officers on the streets and warnings for vigilance among the public, law enforcement officials and victims advocates told USA TODAY. In New Haven, Conn., police spokesman David Hartman said police are investigating six incidents in the past month as possible "knockouts."

But police officials in several cities where the attacks have been reported say the knockout game is an urban myth, and that attacks that have received recent attention in the media have been random assaults, the New York Times is reporting.

"We're trying to determine whether or not this is a real phenomenon," the news organization quotes New York police commissioner Raymond Kelly as saying. "I mean, yes, something like this can happen. But we would like to have people come forward and give us any information they have."

A column on Slate.com reports that while the game does exist, there is no hard data to support the notion that it is a growing trend that has reached epidemic levels. It also refutes the suggestion by some news organizations that some of the attacks have been racially motivated.

The Slate piece makes reference to another piece on the patheos.com website that says, "Nobody seems to have any evidence that it's spreading, or that it's new, or that it's racially motivated."

[mountaineer]

bull $#!t.

[ABX]

They should peruse all the "point them out knock them out" pages on facebook, youtube and other similar pages. They are keeping score, bragging, posting photos and videos, etc.

[rangerrebew]

I heard Al Sharptongue blasting the "game" so apparently he thinks its real.

[flowers]

Most of us here know this is real. The mere fact I have seen more than one article from msm telling us it is not proves it is real.   

[Rapunzel]

Eric Bolling said they call this "polar bear hunting."

[flowers]

Eric Bolling said they call this "polar bear hunting."

So did Bo Detl on Hannity.

[rangerrebew]

If white kids went "black bear" hunting, the indignation of the media would have no end.  And it would be racist.

[EC]

Yeah, right. Polar bear hunting.

These brats got clue zero about that. They pick the weakest target they can find and hit them with at least 5 to 1, by reports I have read. Very manly.

Might be fun to actually make their name for the game come true - you hunt a polar bear, you can bet your little cotton socks he is also hunting you. He's also faster, nastier and outweighs you by a quarter ton or so.

[SouthTexas]

Yeah, right. Polar bear hunting.

These brats got clue zero about that. They pick the weakest target they can find and hit them with at least 5 to 1, by reports I have read. Very manly.

Might be fun to actually make their name for the game come true - you hunt a polar bear, you can bet your little cotton socks he is also hunting you. He's also faster, nastier and outweighs you by a quarter ton or so.

Already been one incident where the "victim" defended himself and fired back.  One of the perps said he feels lucky he was only shot twice and is going to live.

[EC]

Already been one incident where the "victim" defended himself and fired back.  One of the perps said he feels lucky he was only shot twice and is going to live.

 

Thank you - I missed that report.

[SouthTexas]

Thank you - I missed that report.

http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/08/point_it_out_knock_it_out_brut.html

[Carling]

So the reported incidents of young blacks walking up and punching defenseless white are just random, and not race-based.

Whatever, still doesn't mean they aren't happening, not that I believe USA Today's spin. 

[mountaineer]

Another non-event, as reported by today's New York Post:
A man was sucker-punched in the head Wednesday in The Bronx in what may have been the latest in a series of “knockout” attacks, cops said.

The 23-year-old victim was at West 167th Street and Nelson Avenue at about 5:15 p.m. when three men sneaked up from behind and one slugged him in the head, ­according to police.

A witness said the victim was outside a bodega when he was “whapped” on the back of the head and collapsed.

“He fell like he got shot,” said the witness, who declined to ­reveal his name.

Police were canvassing the neighborhood for three Hispanic males who allegedly took part.

Cops said it was possible that the incident was related to the string of “knockout” incidents where a victim is targeted and punched by young thugs.

Since October, at least eight suspected knockout attacks have been reported.

The game has been fueled by ­social media, with the assailants boasting of their attacks online and posting Internet videos of the assaults.

[evadR]

Already been one incident where the "victim" defended himself and fired back.  One of the perps said he feels lucky he was only shot twice and is going to live.

That's the kind of story I want to hear, whether it's true or not.