Matador Can’t Dodge Fine For Bailing On Bullfight

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↵22-year-old Mexican matador Christian Hernandez was gored in the leg by a bull a few months ago. That’s a grisly injury, but I suppose things could be worse. He could be (

graphic imagery) this guy. Nevertheless, it stands to reason that bodily harm to some extent, often quite serious, is expected to the sport of bull fighting.↵↵Of course, it’s easy to say that in a cavalier way until the moment a half-ton beast is barreling at you without the best of intentions. On Sunday Hernandez, not wanting to suffer another possibly debilitating injury, hightailed it as soon as the bull was released at the Plaza Mexico. Bullfighting not exactly being steeped in a culture of empathy, Hernandez’s dive behind a retaining wall drew a chorus of boos from the crowd. Later, the matador was arrested under a charge of breach of contract and forced to pay a fine.↵

↵↵In an interview for television prior to announcing his retirement, Hernandez said, “There are some things you must be aware of about yourself. I didn’t have the ability, I didn’t have the balls, this is not my thing.” Funny how a terrible injury can open your eyes in that way. ↵

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