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mustangmele
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Originally posted by LasVegasWally:
Not over-exagerated. The NFL went from leather helmets for a reason now there needs to be another improvement.
I agree the players know what they are getting into BUT that doesn't mean improving the equipment and testing should be ruled out.
I think the legal issues will force things to change. ust how they'll change, I haven't a clue.
You don't think the NFL has changed the rules and enhanced the equipment? Trust me, it's the WAY the game is played that cause these injuries. As long as you have tackling and blocking you're going to get concussions.
You can wrap someone's head 10 times over with bubble wrap but if Ray Lewis hits them at full speed chances are they're going to get a concussion still.
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SunDevilNiner79
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Originally posted by sincalfaithful:
Originally posted by SunDevilNiner79:
Originally posted by sincalfaithful:
Nobody is forcing these guys to play the game. They know the risks and are very well compensated for it so they need to quit pussifying the game
"they know the risks"
Apparently you haven't been following the story
So you're telling me that these guys don't understand by hitting someone or being hit by someone else full speed that it could have a lasting impact?
No I'm telling you the basis of the lawsuits is that the NFL intentionally withheld information from the players and told the players incorrect information.
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mustangmele
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Originally posted by SunDevilNiner79:
No I'm telling you the basis of the lawsuits is that the NFL intentionally withheld information from the players and told the players incorrect information.
Like what?
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area49
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mustangmele
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WildBill
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Even with the improvment with technology it is dangerous more now than before. It is a misconception that people have because technology has improved they are safer than before.
Athletes are bigger and faster than before. Also, thinking you are more protected today, athletes are more daring. Concussions as you all know is more to do with how hard and fast your head snaps which causes the brain to slam against the inside of your skull than the hit itself. So it all depends on the hit and what follows. Like are you hit in the body, does your head slams into the opponent, does your head bounce off the ground.
They had a special on ESPN about concussions abd believe it or not it included sports such as soccer when they do headers. There was talk about making it illegal in soccer for anyone under varsity level.
All I got to say, some of you may see it as whats the big deal, but I am sure that if it was you and you happen to suffer the negatives and the team doctor knew that you should be kept out of the game but didn't, then you are gonna have a different tune.
Yes the athletes may know the risk, but it is one thing to know and another thing to understand.
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mustangmele
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Originally posted by WildBill:
Even with the improvment with technology it is dangerous more now than before. It is a misconception that people have because technology has improved they are safer than before.
Athletes are bigger and faster than before. Also, thinking you are more protected today, athletes are more daring. Concussions as you all know is more to do with how hard and fast your head snaps which causes the brain to slam against the inside of your skull than the hit itself. So it all depends on the hit and what follows. Like are you hit in the body, does your head slams into the opponent, does your head bounce off the ground.
They had a special on ESPN about concussions abd believe it or not it included sports such as soccer when they do headers. There was talk about making it illegal in soccer for anyone under varsity level.
All I got to say, some of you may see it as whats the big deal, but I am sure that if it was you and you happen to suffer the negatives and the team doctor knew that you should be kept out of the game but didn't, then you are gonna have a different tune.
Yes the athletes may know the risk, but it is one thing to know and another thing to understand.
They're adults who've grown up around the game. You don't get drafted into the NFL and not know about the speed or the size of the players. Many of these guys have had concussions before entering the NFL. They understand the risks because they've likely gotten a taste of taking a nap time on the field in college.
Also, it's not just the technology but the RULES that have changed making the game safer. No clipping, diving at the QB's knees while on the ground, helmet to helmet, horse collar and others. The NFL has made noteworthy changes.
Also, there is no way a team doctor is going to say he should go into the game when he shouldn't. It's usually the other way around. But even if he did, the player doesn't have to go in. The players certainly know when to NOT sign contracts. They should certainly know when to NOT go in if hurt.
[ Edited by mustangmele on Jun 1, 2012 at 5:18 PM ]
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overthemiddle
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I have had a concussion and didnt even hit my head, you can get them with a whiplash. Was not pleasent but got over it. There are risk in playing football, and in life but that doesnt mean you quit.
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captnkos
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I am inclined to believe (although I have no scientific proof) that withdrawl from performance enhancing drugs might do more to drive someone to depression than concussions. Are people in other concussion causing sports like soccer also having suicide or brain damage issues problems? Boxers and fighters have long suffered from the effects of multiple brain injuries, but don't seem to have the same issues a football players. This feeling is not based on science so please correct me if I'm wrong.
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SanDiego49er
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Originally posted by sincalfaithful:
Nobody is forcing these guys to play the game. They know the risks and are very well compensated for it so they need to quit pussifying the game
I agree. They know the risks. This isn't golf. It's pro football. And yes they are wussyfying the game badly. It will be flag football just around the corner.
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CorvaNinerFan
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The concussion issue was overlooked for many years...at least in terms of what the long-term effects could be. Like anything else, the media goes overboard...but, in this case, the more that's known about it, the better. There are tons of vets suffering from it...due largely to lack of knowledge, alternatives, etc. To say the players know the risks when they suit up is a callous statement...because until recently, they DIDN'T know nearly enough about how it can effect them after they're done playing. Steps are being taken to lower the risks...which is good, but there's a long, long way to go before they fully understand not only the long-term effects, but how to better minimize the risks.
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jdt84_2
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I've been avoiding this topic but I have absolutely nothing to do for the he's 40 min but be on my phone.
I am not sure how much concussions have on depression but I fully buy the memory loss and loss of "brain power". But I think the bigger side effects are from the drugs they take and the lack of knowledge about the side effects of those.
Now they are depressed for whatever reason, throw on top they stop getting free stuff and have no money because they have blown it on god knows what. There depression goes even deeper.
Now, how many have a worthwhile degree and are able to get a job? And down the rabbit hole they go.
The NFL needs to look at players finances and teach them how to budget. You are giving a person who has no idea how to budget or keep track of money an "endless" supply of money that disappears really fast when they buy 2 homes or 1 home and hotel rent for 4-6 months. But still buy a ferrari, range rover, ducati, and clothes they throw away after wearing a few times. Just look at how many players that were highly paid but were going to be scared of the lockout because they needed the money. Also the NFLPA were giving players something like 50k to avoid and that wasn't enough, it is simply pathetic and belongs to the owners and NFL/PA.
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jdt84_2
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Grammatical errors be damned as said on my phone. And editing is hard on this phone.
I didn't mean to post reply yet
The problem is most of these guys are still essentially kids. Yeah they are 20+ but they have no real world experience, how many had jobs in HS? worked to get through college? Then how many have to buy food? In college they are fed(mostly) and in the Nfl they are almost fully fed at the facilities, s**t the teams feed reporters too.
This is why I think finances are the biggest factor in suicides for them, followed closely by the chemical imbalance of the endless drugs they take while playing. And that is not counting the rec drugs they take like coke/heroine/alcohol along side the "needed" ones.
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THEMerts80
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Originally posted by blm7754:
I think the real problem is with support for players after they retire from football. Concussions are a serious injury and measures need to be taken to teach better technique (head up tackling), improve helmet technology, and tighten up rules about when a player can play again after a concussion.
But when these guys retire, they need someone to help them get some direction for the remainder of their lives. Many of them have no idea how to manage finances, get another kind of job, and live like normal people. Many of them should go back to school to finish their educations and need guidance to go that route. This shouldbe mandatory traning for every player.
I posted a similar thread last summer when Jet Perry passed away. The articles reminded me of my grandfather's (ex 49er Jerry Mertens) current mental state. He is basically a 75 year old that has a working brain of a 4 year old. I totally agree with eliminating defenseless WR hits and on the current rules of restricting the playing time after receiving a concussion. In the past these guys would get their bell rung about 5 times just during practice let alone games. Those repeated hits are what really do the damage I think. If you get laid out hard then probably shouldn't play the following week is my opinion.
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area49
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I think we're starting to realize that brain damage is an unavoidable consequence of football, like lung cancer and smoking. With that in mind, fans are really going to have to do some mental judo in order to rationalize their support for the game. It's like going to a gladiator fight and saying "Sure, people are dying, but I appreciate the strategy of the sport, not the violence."