Like you said, Richard was a jerk...sounds like a sadistic man, mean to the core... who wasn't playing with the puppy. Does it make you sick to see the videos posted here? What about the video I posted with the Doberman and the man playing? Or Dekka's video with the trainer demonstrating the game with her happy dog? Do those make you sick? Are those people looking mean to the core and risking ruining their dogs? I have never ruined a dog or had an aggression issue in any way, shape or form with any of the dogs I've had over the past 50 years. And I've always played tug with any dog who was interested. And I didn't always use the rules....I didn't know before. The dogs were all having a wee of a time. What about all the trainers and owners these days who use tug as a reward and a way to increase drive for those sports? What is the percentage of risk for aggression with these tug-playing dogs? What do you have to back up your claim besides this one, sadistic jerk who was not playing, but tormenting and frustrating a tiny puppy? Is that scientific...or even mildly logical to base a conclusion on one single trial? Of course not. To deny people and their dogs a fun, interactive game that has benefits, such as building drive, letting off steam, getting good exercise, building confidence, creating a prey outlet (necessary) and just plain having fun, based on one bad example doesn't make sense.
Of course you have a right to your opinion and of course, you don't have to feel like you have to play tug. And yes, there are other things you can do with a dog. But at the same time, don't shoot down the game of tug as if it, in and of itself is a bad thing. Because it's not. It gives people the wrong idea and they may miss out on a fun, useful game.