Concussions are a rapidly growing issue in today's world of sports. However, I feel that the leagues do not really do enough in order to protect their players. For example the NFL is always saying how they provide their athletes with the best equipment in order to protect their players. But, there are no rules in place requiring players to use said equipment. Players are not required to wear a mouth piece, and yet that is one of the best ways to prevent concussions. If the NFL really wanted to crack down on concussions then they would require the players to use the safety equipment. I do not think that the "big" hits are the cause of all of the concussions. They certainly play a large factor, but i do not think you can take the hits out of the game. If you're going to do that than you might as well either make a woman's league or a flag football league. There is a certain amount of pride that goes into being a football player, that people don't understand. What we do is by no means an easy thing. It is very hard, but worth it. Being a football player I feel has affected my views on this a little. It has given me an understanding about the game that watching it on T.V. can't. It gave me the understanding that those "big" horrible hits aren't because people are trying to hurt people or things along that line. It's the fear that is in the game. You always hear that a wide receiver heard FOOTSTEPS going across the middle. Without the hits and all of the protecting the league has done making hits illegal has gotten rid of this sacred part of the game, FEAR
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=5970086
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5995978
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5996242
CJ, I think that you make some very valid points. I know that if I was really concerned enough about my health and potentially my career than I would do everything possible to prevent injury. Incorporated with that would be wearing all the addressed protection. However, I feel that wearing some of the suggested equipment can be uncomfortable and may reduce your ability to perform at what you feel is your best, that is just a personal feel, but overall I would have to agree with your stance.
ReplyDeleteI think that you do have a good point when you say that if you're going to do that than you might as well either make a woman's league or a flag football league. I appreciate this point you made and really think that your links that you provided really helps this point by adding some background and some depth to what the reading is trying to understand, I feel as though that is why I agree with you. Not because of what you brought up, but the way that you put it to make it seem as though what you are saying is a valid point.
ReplyDeleteCJ, you bring up a very good point about the topic of proper equipment for sports players, especially for football. This is a very serious issue and in my opinion, needs to be addressed as soon as possible because people can get seriously injured if they are not wearing the proper equipment. Personally, I think the NFL should have stricter rules about tackling because more and more players are getting concussions. These are human beings and even for a rough sport such as football, their body needs to be protected as much as possible.
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