This is a practice that has been adopted in some countries in the modeling industry, which like racing, is a sub-culture rife with eating disorders. The impetus was the deaths of several models who, despite a skeletal appearance and known issues, were allowed to keep working.
Eating disorders, chronic malnutrition and self-starvation, for whatever reasons, are LIFE-THREATENING. The most common cause of death is a heart attack brought on by electrolyte imbalance, after that it’s multiple organ failure brought on by chronic starvation and tissue wasting. These conditions, even if they don’t kill you, can cause permanent organ damage. Eating disorder patients also have a very high suicide rate.
Yes, you will always have people struggling to make weight. But a heck of a lot more people are going to be able to ride safely at 120-130 than at 110.
The insurance issues are also very important, as others are pointing out, especially when you take into consideration the damage these jocks are doing to themselves.
Unfortunately, like most professional sports, it’s a fear-based business. Everyone is one mishap away from the end of their career, loyalty doesn’t go far and there’s always someone waiting to take your place. The NFL has a huge problem with people playing hurt, taking mountains of painkillers, and ending up permanently disabled (like with dementia). They’re starting to deal with it but there’s such a huge stigma to sitting out a game, not everyone (especially the non-stars) wants to take that chance. Which is why, like in racing, everyone wants the other guy to be the one who takes a stand for everyone’s health and safety.
Shane Sellers is a very brave man. I admire his courage.
