Illinois Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin is tackling the Esquire Network reality program "Friday Night Tykes," saying the show that follows Texas youth football teams "exploits ... children for purely entertainment purposes."
Durbin sent network President Adam Stotsky a letter Thursday demanding that the "shameful, dangerous display" be pulled, saying it endangers the health of children while sending the wrong message about concussions in football, Politico reported.
"With all we know about the risks of concussions in youth sports today, it is unconscionable to televise and celebrate the conduct of a league that directly endangers the health of children," Durbin said.
The Esquire Network has not responded to Durbin, though it’s shown no indication it has any intention of pulling the final four shows.
Responding to Durbin, Bob Cook of Forbes wrote: "I appreciate Durbin’s concern for my children’s noggins, but I would request that before he continues his campaign, he (or whatever staff member came up with the idea to ban the show) actually watch “Friday Night Tykes” a little more carefully. Or, just work on getting his legislation passed, and let the rest of us decide individually whether the show is instructive or destructive."
