Most injuries in sports contests—even if caused by direct contact from an opposed player—would not constitute a battery. The theory is that a sport participant consents to performing in sporting events and, therefore, assumes the risk of injury when playing. However, if a participant intentionally engages in egregious conduct that flouts the rules of the sport, then he or she can be liable for battery.

For example, a federal district court refused to dismiss a lawsuit by former Denver Broncos defensive back Dale Hackbart, who was struck with a forearm to the head by Cincinnati Bengals running back Charles Clark, while Hackbart was kneeling on the ground.