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Ex-NRL forward Kevin Proctor was knocked out by social media influencer Jordan Simi during a controversial 'run it straight' event in the Middle East overnight.
The run it straight trend involves people charging directly at each other to mimic a rugby-style collision.
In sickening footage doing the rounds on social media, the former Kiwi international collides with his ball-carrying opponent at high speed.
Proctor was flattened and left motionless on the ground, prompting immediate concern from organisers and spectators.
The 36-year-old's arms and legs went stiff as medics rushed over to assist.
'What did I just watch!' posted one X user.
Former NRL veteran Kevin Proctor was knocked out during a controversial 'run it straight' event
'Absolutely f**king disgusting,' replied another.
'Hope Proctor is okay after that knockout,' said a third.
The trend has gained popularity on social media with official competitions popping up in Sydney and in New Zealand but has drawn criticism for its dangerous nature.
The collision game turned deadly last month after New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge.
RUNIT event organisers, who offer big cash prizes, say they have medical staff at events - but trauma clinicians are not buying it.
Neuroscientist Dr Helen Murray called it an unacceptable risk.
'There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There's no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,' she told the NZ Herald.
Professor Patria Hume, an expert in sports science and injury prevention, said the sport is 'a step backwards'.
The trend has gained popularity on social media with official competitions popping up in Sydney and in New Zealand
New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite died after sustaining head injuries taking part in a run it straight style challenge with friends
'This is a reckless and dangerous spectacle,' she said.
'The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage.'
Australian neurologist Dr Alan Pearce echoed that sentiment.
'It's insanity. You're removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force,' he said.
Proctor, who notched up 283 NRL games for the Titans and Storm, was sacked in 2022 after the 'vape-gate' incident for posting a video of himself to social media vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game.
Vaping isn't permitted in or around the stadium - and for people to vape or smoke, they are required to request a pass out and leave the stadium itself.
The Titans labelled his actions 'dumb', fined him $15,000 and later sacked the veteran player.
Aside from the vape-gate incident, Proctor has a history of indiscretions in rugby league.
Proctor was fined $20,000 and banned for four games by the Titans in 2017 after allegedly purchasing and consuming cocaine with Jesse Bromwich.
Events have popped up in Australia and New Zealand with cash prizes on offer, but they have been getting postponed and cancelled in recent weeks
At the time Proctor said he couldn't remember most of the evening in question and was stood down as the club's co-captain.
Proctor was also found guilty of biting Shaun Johnson during his 250th NRL appearance in 2020 for which he copped a four-match suspension.
He denied biting his Kiwi teammate and tried to vigorously defend the charge, but a picture tells a thousand words - and the NRL match review committee was left with no choice.
Kiwi-born Proctor won a premiership with the Storm before playing for the Titans and has appeared in 22 Tests.
