Usher's Stepson Declared Brain Dead: Should Kids Participate in Risky Sports?

Honestly? I think at 11 any sport is risky regardless of what it is. I'm sorry for Usher and Tameka's loss and can't imagine what they're going through, but there are dangers everywhere and bubble-wrapping your child to prevent them from getting hurt won't necessarily help.

Freak accidents can happen when you're doing anything.

Lots of prayer to the family stay strong

agree

First off, I didn't know "tubing" was a sport. I mean when I think of a sport, it has rules, etc. Tubing is something you do for fun. A person has more of a chance to die in a car accident than in a boating one.

I grew up on a boat. I've been using an inner tube since before I can remember. This sport in particular... the only danger is the other boaters/jetskiiers on the water if you have a driver with functional eyes and a spotter. Trust me, I've fallen off these things, had one explode under me when it hit a wave too high, but I've never hit another person or been hit because boaters watch for other boaters. It's astronomically more dangerous to get in a car. It's a terribly unlucky tragedy caused by being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and the fault lies in the jetskiier.

that is soooooo sad. Usher is a really good man too. Family man, takes care of his and his step children. That poor kid, probably didn't even see it comming.

Truley my heart breaks for them but you face just as much danger crossing the street I have know on three seperate occasions of friends and family being struck by cars while crossing one sadly ended up in the death of a dear friend

I say that to say you can assume the risk and prepare as much as you can but accident can and do happen

Life is risky. But that's what makes it interesting. As a great man/ woman (who I don't know) once said: Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.

Hellen Keller, who was deaf, blind, and mute.

Thank you. She is an amazing lady.

Helen Keller "was" an amazing lady. She died in 1968.

It wasn't his fault somebody ran into him on a jet ski.

Awh! :( That's sad :(

Some guy crashed into him on a jet ski...he wasn't doing anything dangerous ...

just take as many safety precautions you can and make sure they are educated enough on what they are doing?

In answer to risky sports maybe I lean to the side of caution. I am so sorry to read about this. That is a tragic thing for the family. My heart goes out to them.

As long as they stay outa truble

A sad tragedy no doubt! But not a reason to say life with some adventure should not be enjoyed.

risk is relative, skateboards and bikes are extremely dangerous, what other activities would you suggest they not participate in? Lifestyle police comes to mind.

First off tubing is not that dangerous. This poor kid was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. As for the risky sports in my opinion ALL sports have some degree of danger and risk so yes.

It's all about being safe and paying attention, accidents still happen but you can't not expect them to

Accidents happen it sucks but it's true

Life is risky! Accidents happen - even those caused by careless strangers. There are more injuries caused by car accidents by far than by riding on a boat toy but we don't question putting children in cars.

I jet ski, boat and ride on toys behind both at times. I can easily picture an enthusiastic, inexperienced and careless jet ski rider pass a boat and pull in behind it thinking the wake will be a thrill without being able to see a tube behind it until it was too late. I don't know if that is what happened or if the boat steered incorrectly and put the child in danger but either way this is an unfortunate accident that probably could have been avoided with better water skills.

Just riding on a boat with an inexperienced captain is a danger to passengers and other vessels. Too many people think they can operate a boat or jet ski without proper training and experience. I hope this poor boy will miraculously recover. Either way maybe someone who boats or skis will read this and learn something that may save a life in the future!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tubing is not dangerous. He was hit by an asshat on a jet ski who was not paying attention and struck them.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people. You cant shild everyone fromever bad thing. Life would not be worth living. That is sad for his family

its not exactly a risky sport. how many kids do you see bring towed in a tube? the poor lad, all the best to the boy and his family. it should be that jet skis are not permitted in the general public area.

Life is risky

We should all try to be as safe as possible and use our heads but life in general (icluding driving on our highways) is a dangerous sport. My prayers are with them.

If the parents and kid understands and accepts the consequences why not?

some time doing whatever u want just bring more suffering in ur life

"Life's easy, people complicate it." Only advice i took from my dad.
Anything can make you suffer.

true

If the kids want to do then do it.

Tubing isn't exactly an extreme sport.

Parents have to help their children assess the risks involved, but they also need to allow them to pursue their passions, enjoy life, and have new broad experiences. Life holds risks, and we all choose to take them everyday. When tragedy does strike, you need to accept it as part of cost of living a full life.

Well, It's a risk you take. Hey, accidents happen all the time. Doesn't matter if your a celebrity or regular person.

All of us are terminal. It's called life.

Boys will always play rough and risky. So what? I think the guy on the jet ski was mistaken for riding near kids.

My sympathy is for Usher and the family loss.