Latest news with #Proctor
Mercury
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Mercury
NRL 2025: Kevin Proctor knocked out at RUNIT event by Jordan Simi in Dubai
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former NRL veteran and 22 Test Kiwis forward Kevin Proctor was sensationally knocked out in scary scenes by social media influencer Jordan Simi at RUNIT 02 in Dubai overnight. The pair took part in an exhibition run it straight challenge at the big-money event early on Sunday morning, Australian time. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. In footage posted to social media, Proctor, who is defending, drives his right shoulder into the ball-carrying Simi. But the former Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans second-rower comes off second best, as he spins in the air after contact and lands heavily on the ground. Proctor appears to be knocked out as he hits the floor, with his arms and legs going stiff in sickening scenes. A small crew of medics and officials rush to the 36-year-old's side as he struggles to sit back up. Watch the brutal collision in the video above Kevin Proctor knocked out at RUNIT event in Dubai. Picture: Supplied/Instagram A former lower grade rugby league player, Simi is also an artist and has become a social media influencer. He also stepped into the boxing ring opposite Justin Hodges in 2022, losing a four-round unanimous decision. Proctor played 283 NRL games for the Storm and Titans in a 15-year footy career. He was sacked by the Titans after he posted a video to his Instagram story of himself vaping in the toilets during the halftime break of the Titans' loss to the Bulldogs in 2022. Kevin Proctor had a long career in the NRL. (Photo by) Proctor wasn't playing, but was 19th man when he captioned the video: 'Not the halftime vape'. He quickly deleted it, but was soon released by the Titans. One of the most controversial new combat sports on the planet, RUNIT staged its second event in Dubai, just a month after a New Zealand teenager died after playing a run it straight style game with friends. RUNIT and its deep-pocketed investors and sponsors flew eight athletes to Dubai, with $200,000 on offer for first place, while second took home $50,000 and third prize was $25,000.
Sky News AU
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Sky News AU
Former NRL player Kevin Proctor suffers knockout during RUNIT event month after teenager dies doing same challenge
A former NRL player has suffered a scary knockout during a controversial run it straight event in the Middle East, a month after a teenager in New Zealand died doing the same challenge. Former NRL player Kevin Proctor has suffered a scary knockout in a run it straight contest with social media influencer Jordan Simi at RUNIT 02 in Dubai, as many call the stunt stupid and dangerous. The run it straight trend, which is growing in popularity, involves people directly running into each other as hard as they can. In sickening footage, the former rugby league player collided with his ball-carrying opponent Simi, resulting in a huge collision. Proctor came off second best and was left dazed after being flattened in the contest, his head flat on the surface and his legs stiff. — NRLCentral (@centralNRL) June 29, 2025 The incident caused immediate concern among organisers, spectators, medics, and his opponent. After the footage went online it left many people bemused by the 'stupid' RUNIT game, which offers $200,000 in prize money for first place. 'Wtf how is this a thing,' one said on X. 'This stupid 'sport' should be banned and made illegal,' another added. 'Stupid and dangerous,' a third said. The trend has gained popularity in Australia and New Zealand and has drawn significant criticism. The game originated through the Australian-based RUNIT Championship League competition. The challenge took a dark turn after a New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically died after attempting to run it straight. The 19-year-old suffered a serious head injury when he did it at a property in May. The RUNIT event has not convinced trauma clinicians, despite medical staff on site for participants. Neuroscientist Dr Helen Murray told the NZ Herald she does not 'support' the high-risk challenge. 'There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There's no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,' she said. Australian neurologist Dr Alan Pearce said it's simply 'insanity'. 'It's insanity. You're removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force,' he said. Proctor played 283 NRL games for the Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm, and 22 Test matches for New Zealand. He was sacked in 2022 after posting himself vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game for the Titans. Vaping is not permitted in or around the ground. Consequently, his club labelled his actions 'dumb' and fined him $15,000 and proceeded to later tear up his playing contract. Proctor was also fined $20,000 and banned for four games by the Titans after he allegedly purchased and consumed cocaine with Jesse Bromwich in 2017.
7NEWS
10 hours ago
- Sport
- 7NEWS
NRL premiership winner Kevin Proctor knocked out as controversial ‘Run It Straight' craze continues
NRL premiership winner Kevin Proctor has been knocked out in a 'Run It Straight' competition in Dubai. The controversial viral craze received heavy backlash last month when a New Zealand teenager died during an impromptu version of the game. Watch the video above: NRL premiership winner knocked out as controversial craze continues. But the Runit Championship League has continued with $200,000 in prize money on offer. The latest event took place over the weekend, with Proctor on the wrong end of his clash with influencer Jordan Simi. Medical personnel rushed to help the 36-year-old. Proctor won the 2012 grand final with the Melbourne Storm and played for the Gold Coast Titans in a lengthy NRL career, which ended when he was caught vaping at half-time of a game while sidelined. The long-time New Zealand international later joined Wakefield in the English Super League. The 'Run It Straight' trend also appeared on the hill at Brookvale Oval during a Manly Sea Eagles NRL game. Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov said anyone found to have been involved would be banned. Dr Alan Pearce, who has worked with NRL players on concussions, said he was 'speechless'. 'I'm pretty appalled by what we're seeing and I'm really concerned about the health of the people undertaking this activity,' he told Sunrise. 'There's no medical attention nearby if something happened.' Pearce said it was made worse by the apparent levels of intoxication. 'Beer and head injuries do not mix,' he said. 'This is what we're seeing now and this is something we've been concerned about surrounding the Run It events. 'Things like this will be happening everywhere now and they're not checked properly. That's the concern.' While some of those filmed participating at the NRL game appeared to be grown men, Pearce said he fears for kids and even young adults involved in the trend. 'The damage to a young brain is potentially profound and catastrophic,' he said. 'With young people, kids up to the age of 20, there's a risk of what we call 'second impact syndrome'. 'Even though you might get a hit to the head and not necessarily think that there's anything going on, having a second hit to the head in a rapid time period after — it might be a few minutes, it could be 15 minutes — could be potentially life-threatening. 'This is something we are really worried about.' Other experts have also slammed the trend. Injury prevention expert Professor Patria Hume called the trend a 'reckless and dangerous spectacle' and 'a step backwards' in sport safety. 'We've spent years building evidence-based strategies to reduce head and neck injuries in rugby and contact sports,' she said. 'This event ignores all of that.' In response to the death of New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite, Runit Championship League said the sport 'should only be held in highly controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support'. 'All RUNIT events follow established protocols including screening of participants for suitability, strict guidelines around where and how to tackle (between the shoulders and hips only), with qualified medical support and medical assessments conducted both during and after competition,' the competition said. 'We do not encourage any copying of the sport as it should only be done under the strict conditions outlined above in sanctioned RUNIT events.'
Courier-Mail
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Kevin Proctor knocked out at RUNIT event by Jordan Simi in Dubai
Don't miss out on the headlines from Other Sports. Followed categories will be added to My News. Former NRL veteran and 22 Test Kiwis forward Kevin Proctor was sensationally knocked out in scary scenes by social media influencer Jordan Simi at RUNIT 02 in Dubai overnight. The pair took part in an exhibition run it straight challenge at the big-money event early on Sunday morning, Australian time. In footage posted to social media, Proctor, who is defending, drives his right shoulder into the ball-carrying Simi. But the former Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans backrower comes off second best, as he spins in the air after contact and lands heavily on the ground. Proctor appears to be knocked out as he hits the floor, with his arms and legs going stiff in sickening scenes. A small crew of medics and officials rush to the 36-year-old's side as he struggles to sit back up. A former lower grade rugby league player, Simi is also an artist and has become a social media influencer. Kevin Proctor's collision with Jordan Simi. Picture: Supplied/Instagram He also stepped into the boxing ring opposite Justin Hodges in 2022, losing a four-round unanimous decision. Proctor played 283 NRL games for the Storm and Titans in a 15-year footy career. He was sacked by the Titans after he posted a video to his Instagram story of himself vaping in the toilets during the halftime break of the Titans' loss to the Bulldogs in 2022. Proctor wasn't playing, but was 19th man when he captioned the video: 'Not the halftime vape'. He quickly deleted it, but was soon released by the Titans. One of the most controversial new combat sports on the planet, RUNIT staged its second event in Dubai, just a month after a New Zealand teenager died after playing a run it straight style game with friends. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, passed away after suffering a severe brain injury while playing an impromptu game in Palmerston North. RUNIT event organisers are quick to point out they have highly trained medical staff at all their events, as well as testing before and afterwards. Organisers also provide a tackling technique coach, while all competitors were 'selected and screened' by an 'athlete manager'. RUNIT has branded itself as the 'world's fiercest new collision sport' and has gained an immense online following in just a few months. But it has also copped an intense backlash from CTE experts, while the New Zealand Warriors, Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby League have all distanced themselves from it. RUNIT and its deep-pocketed investors and sponsors flew eight athletes to Dubai, with $200,000 on offer for first place, while second took home $50,000 and third prize was $25,000. Originally published as Former NRL star Kevin Proctor suffers sickening KO by social media influencer at RUNIT event in Dubai
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'We're fired up': Rocco tops historic Aussie draft call
Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said. Minnesota reckon they got a NBA Draft steal in giant Rocco Zikarsky, who led a historic Australian contingent called during a frantic, 10-pick window. The Brisbane Bullets centre was taken with pick No.45 by the Timberwolves during the second round on Friday (AEST). Fellow Australians Tyrese Proctor (Cleveland, No.49), Alex Toohey (Golden State, No.52) and Lachlan Olbrich (Chicago, No.55) followed soon after. A record 15 Australians were on NBA rosters this season and not since No.7 pick Chris Anstey led the draft charge in 1997 has the country had as many names called in a single draft. The 18-year-old Zikarsky, who hails from the Sunshine Coast and completed two NBL seasons, was overlooked on the first night of the event at Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. But, the tallest in the class at 220cm, he was snapped up with the 15th pick of the second round, which Chicago had traded to the Timberwolves. He had worked out almost exclusively at the Timberwolves' facility in the lead-up and, unless he's traded, would have French centre Rudy Gobert at his disposal to learn from. "We had a great workout with him, had him much higher on the board," general manager Tim Connelly said. "Seven foot, three inches (tall) ... we're fired up." Like most second-round picks Zikarski is likely to sign a two-way deal with the club's G League outfit Iowa and won't receive the guaranteed contract of those selected in the top-30. "He could stay overseas, he could do the G league, we want to maximise Iowa, so we're not sure," Connelly said. "But we want to make sure he's going somewhere where his development continues." Sydney guard Toohey impressed in his pre-draft workouts and will link with superstar Steph Curry but, like Zikarsky, will likely need to earn his stripes in the tier below. Olbrich, fresh off an NBL title with Illawarra, will have compatriot Josh Giddey for company at the Bulls while Duke star Proctor is reportedly set for immediate NBA action at the Cavaliers. A 64-win season saw them claim the No.1 seed in the east and Proctor is set to help star guard Donovan Mitchell again challenge for a championship. Proctor was the last of Duke's starting five to be drafted, including top pick Cooper Flagg, in a coup for the college. "Tyrese has had an elite basketball education - from his local club at Sutherland to the NBA Global Academy and, of course, Duke University," Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence (COE) coach Robbie McKinlay, said. "A floor leader, elite shooter and versatile defender, Tyrese has already played on big stages in the ACC and NCAA tournaments and shown he is a big-game player." All four Australian draftees honed their craft at the COE. "To be spoken about as a future NBA prospect, any player needs to have an elite combination of physical tools, skill and basketball IQ and all four tick those boxes," McKinlay said.
