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Teen’s Tragic Death Sparks Global Outcry Against ‘Run It Straight’ Tackle Game

A 19-year-old’s fatal head injury reignites debate over viral rugby-style challenge turned cash-prize sport; New Zealand officials and health experts push for nationwide ban.

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Scene from a “Run It Straight” event in Auckland before the ban, where participants collide without protective gear for a chance at prize money.

A shocking death in New Zealand has ignited a fierce backlash against a viral full-contact tackle game known as “Run It Straight,” as the tragic passing of 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite brings global attention to the lethal consequences of unregulated social media challenges.

Satterthwaite, a former student from Palmerston North, died in hospital on Monday after participating in the backyard version of the trending game during a friend’s birthday celebration. The game, popularized by online videos and influencer-led leagues, pits two players against each other in a direct, head-on sprint — with the goal to physically overpower the opponent, often without any protective gear.

The game has surged in popularity across Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island communities, thanks to aggressive marketing by the RUNIT Championship League, which labels itself “the world’s fiercest, new collision sport.” With prize pools as high as $118,800 (NZ$200,000), and massive exposure on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, the format has enticed countless young people — many of whom attempt it unsupervised at home.

Now, as grief and outrage mount, health officials, political leaders, and educators are urgently calling for a ban. “It’s a dumb thing to do,” declared New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, urging youth to avoid the game and pressuring adults and influencers to stop promoting it.

New Zealand’s Minister for Sport Mark Mitchell has since sought legal advice on whether the government can intervene to restrict or outlaw such unregulated activities. “This is not a sport. It’s reckless, glorified violence,” warned Stacey Mowbray, CEO of Headway, a brain injury awareness organization.

Medical professionals, too, have sounded the alarm. According to Professor Patria Hume of Auckland University of Technology, the collision force in Run It Straight is more than five times that of a standard rugby tackle. “Ryan’s death was preventable,” she said, emphasizing the absence of any structured rules, safety measures, or medical oversight.

Despite claiming to implement safety screenings and guidelines, the RUNIT League has faced growing criticism, especially after disturbing footage emerged from a recent Auckland event where two participants were knocked unconscious — one suffering a seizure. In response, Auckland’s Trusts Arena has now banned future RUNIT events, citing “overwhelming concern” for public safety.

Even New Zealand Rugby, the official governing body for the national sport, has distanced itself from the phenomenon, releasing a public advisory urging young people not to participate. “High-contact sports like rugby come with coaching, rules, and safety frameworks. This trend does not,” they said.

The game’s creator, Christian Lesa (aka “Charizma”), has argued that the concept helped him overcome mental health struggles and that participants “know what they sign up for.” He cites inspiration from YouTuber Donald De La Haye (aka “Deestroying”), who gained fame staging 1-on-1 football challenges.

But the tragedy has sparked a deeper conversation about the role of viral content and social media in promoting dangerous behavior. “This isn’t just a teenage game gone wrong — it’s an engineered spectacle designed to go viral at any cost,” said one safety advocate.

Educational institutions are reacting swiftly. Several New Zealand schools have issued outright bans on the game within school grounds. Palmerston North Boys’ High School, which Ryan attended, had planned to warn students about the game just minutes before news of his death broke.

“It’s an absolute tragedy,” said school rector David Bovey, “and a painful reminder of how teenage invincibility can be shattered in a second.”

Sports

Akeal Hosein Net Worth 2025 Revealed

From IPL contracts to global T20 leagues, the West Indies spinner’s earnings are estimated between $1M–1.5M

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Akeal Hosein celebrates a crucial wicket—his consistent performances fueling both his earnings and legacy

Akeal Hosein, the dependable left-arm spinner from Trinidad and Tobago, has quietly accumulated significant earnings through a career spanning international cricket and franchise T20 leagues. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands around USD 1–1.5 million

Akeal Hosein (Trinidadian Cricketer)




His salary broke into the spotlight with the auction, where Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him for ₹1 crore (around USD 120,000) . In 2025, Hosein was drafted by Quetta Gladiators in the PSL’s gold category with a $80,000 contract . He also earned up to AU$250,000 playing for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL

With core earnings from his central contract with Cricket West Indies—about $25,000 yearly plus match fees—and earnings from CPL stints with Trinbago Knight Riders and Barbados Tridents, his career income has been solid

Akeal Hosein



While not among the ultra-wealthy cricketers, Hosein has been prudent, supplementing his cricket income with modest brand endorsements and possibly local investments. As he continues in IPL, and other franchise leagues, his net worth seems poised to rise, matching his growing reputation on the field.

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Personality

Net Worth of Neymar Jr in 2025 Shows Why He Remains One of Football’s Richest Superstars

From Santos to PSG to global brand deals, Neymar Jr’s wealth reflects his journey as one of football’s most marketable icons

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Neymar Jr
Neymar Jr during a media event, representing both his footballing legacy and powerful global brand presence.(Source: Getty Image)

Neymar Jr has firmly secured his place as one of the wealthiest footballers in the world. As of 2025, the Brazilian superstar’s estimated net worth stands between $220 million to $250 million, making him not only one of Brazil’s highest-paid athletes but a global brand in himself.

Neymar Jr: (Credit: Getty Image)

Born Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, the forward burst onto the scene with Santos FC before earning a blockbuster move to FC Barcelona in 2013, where he formed the iconic MSN trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. But it was his record-shattering transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 — for a world-record fee of €222 million ($263 million USD) — that launched his earnings into the stratosphere.

At PSG, Neymar’s annual salary was reportedly around $70 million, including bonuses. Combined with endorsements from Puma, Red Bull, Qatar Airways, Triller, and Epic Games, his total yearly income often crossed $90 million, placing him consistently in Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes.

But Neymar’s financial empire extends far beyond the pitch. He has launched his own fragrance line, invested in eSports through Team Fluxo, and even dabbled in NFTs and cryptocurrency. His social media presence — with over 220 million followers on Instagram alone — adds significant commercial value, with brands paying top dollar for collaborations and visibility.

Neymar Jr

Since leaving PSG in 2023 and returning to his boyhood club Santos, Neymar’s base salary has significantly decreased, but his commercial ventures and legacy contracts continue to generate millions annually. Even sidelined by injuries or illnesses like his recent COVID-19 diagnosis, Neymar’s net worth remains largely unaffected due to long-term sponsorships and investments.

Moreover, Neymar has earned millions from performance bonuses, goal incentives, and image rights deals negotiated across his club and international career. With 79 goals for Brazil, he is the nation’s all-time leading scorer, further adding to his marketability and endorsement appeal.

Despite a turbulent few seasons filled with fitness concerns and controversies, Neymar remains a financial powerhouse, proving that his influence stretches well beyond 90 minutes on the field.

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Sports

Barcelona Goalkeeper War Explodes as Ter Stegen Refuses to Be Pushed Aside

Marc-André ter Stegen is furious with Barcelona’s pursuit of Joan Garcia and vows to fight for his place under Hansi Flick

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Marc-André ter Stegen during training with Germany — a man determined to reclaim his place at Barcelona

Tensions are boiling over at Camp Nou as Marc-André ter Stegen, one of Barcelona’s longest-serving players, finds himself in the eye of a storm. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the German shot-stopper is “absolutely outraged” by the club’s decision to recruit Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, which could relegate him to a third-choice role behind Wojciech Szczęsny.

After spending much of the 2024–25 season sidelined due to a serious patellar tendon injury, Ter Stegen managed just nine appearances. In his absence, Szczęsny stepped in and impressed manager Hansi Flick, who reportedly sees the Polish veteran as a more reliable presence heading into next season.

Now, with 23-year-old Joan Garcia set to arrive from cross-town rivals Espanyol, it’s clear that Barcelona is not merely adding depth — they’re restructuring their entire goalkeeping hierarchy. And that hasn’t gone down well with Ter Stegen, who views the move as a “direct attack on his professional character.”

The Mission to Stay
Far from backing down, the Germany No. 1 is reportedly “ready to go to war” to keep his place in the squad. Insiders suggest that his once-solid relationship with Flick has deteriorated, especially after the coach allegedly blocked his swift return to the pitch despite being fit.

The Bigger Picture
Ter Stegen’s frustration is not just about playing time — it’s about legacy. Having been a cornerstone of Barcelona’s squad since 2014, the idea of being pushed aside without a fair chance has hit hard. Club director Deco is now tasked with managing the fallout and offering explanations to the goalkeeper, who remains under contract and fully committed to the Catalan giants — for now.

Adding fuel to the fire, Szczęsny is expected to sign a contract extension soon, locking him in as a senior figure. That, combined with the imminent signing of Garcia, paints a grim outlook for Ter Stegen’s future between the sticks at Camp Nou.

What’s Next?
For now, Ter Stegen is focusing on international duty, representing Germany in the Nations League third-place play-off against France. But once the whistle blows on that match, all eyes will return to Barcelona, where this goalkeeper saga promises more drama.

With his pride, status, and possibly his future in Catalonia on the line, Ter Stegen isn’t going quietly. And with preseason looming, Barcelona could be facing a locker-room clash that threatens to unravel the harmony Flick was trying to build.

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