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Ceretto to co-sponsor bill to crack down on 'Knockout Game'

by jmaloni

Submitted

Fri, Nov 22nd 2013 10:25 pm

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-C-I-Lewiston, in an effort to protect the public from senseless acts of violence, is co-sponsoring a bill to crack down on a dangerous new game played by youths called the "Knockout Game." As reported by CBS, the "Knockout Game" occurs when a group of people, usually youths, dares a person in their group to sucker punch a random person in the street and try to knock them out with one hit. This game presents the risk of serious injury or death. The bill Ceretto is co-sponsoring seeks to discourage youths from playing the game by imposing strict punishments.

"Anybody who is thinking about playing the 'Knockout Game' needs to think twice, because of the damage they can do to another person," Ceretto said. "I encourage all youths who are considering engaging in this dangerous act to channel their energy into more productive pursuits, such as athletics.

"In order to discourage this senseless violence, I am going to co-sponsor legislation to dramatically increase the penalties for engaging in this pointless game."

The proposed legislation would require that any person, regardless of age, who is convicted of playing the "Knockout Game" would face up to 25 years in prison. The legislation would ensure youths who participate in this act are sentenced as adults. Those present when the action takes place would also be held accountable.

"Protecting innocent people living their day-to-day lives is one of the most basic responsibilities of government," Ceretto said. "The 'Knockout Game' is a dangerous threat to innocent people, and it is our responsibility to stop it before it gets out of hand. I am looking forward to passing this legislation to protect people from being injured by the 'Knockout Game.' "

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