Assemblyman Morelle: MMA Is Coming To New York, But Not Sure When

Democratic Assemblyman Joe Morelle is sponsoring a bill that would legalize professional MMA fighting in New York State.

Joining WIBX First News with Keeler in the Morning, Morelle first addressed the deadly Valley Shooting Spree that claimed four lives on Wednesday.

'We are certainly all praying he doesn't do anymore damage before he's brought in,' Morelle said.

He also responded to questions about whether the NY SAFE Act was forced through too quickly, and whether it was too overreaching.

''I voted for the bill - I'm the Majority Leader. I don't think any legislator voted against the bill because we didn't have time to read it. It was actually very easy to read.

''Many of the bills that we do vote on are talked about for some length of time. I think anyone who voted against the bill, did it for philosophical reasons, not because they didn't have time to read it.

Regarding the current Valley Shooting incident: ''The notion that only criminals do this...my guess is, and we'll find out, is that this person purchased weapons legally.''

MMA in NY

''I'm certainly trying to make this a reality. I continue to work to gain sponsorship. The bill will probably be given a number and be in print in the next day or so. After the budget is completed  - in the next 10 days or so - I hope we'll be able to pass this.

''Speaker Sheldon Silver said that he was pretty confident that this [bill] was going to be approved, and it's not a matter of if, but when, and I agree. And, MMA has changed dramatically over the last ten years, it's much safer...''