Concussions in sports...

[Thespeckledkiwi]

When you play a violent sport that is designed around impact and crashing bodies, you are going to get injuries. The most dangerous is head injuries because they can result in concussions and injuries to the spine, potential life threatening injuries. Now back in the 1950s and 60s they didn't really delve to deeply into this subject. But now that these players are retired and their bodies are wearing down, some faster than others, more and more statistics are coming out about the violent head on collisions these players did in their day to day life. I find it a little disturbing that some of these players most notably Trent Green and Eric Lindros both went back to play their respective sports after some many minor and major concussions. At least Lindros retired but Green is still playing, although in a backup capacity.

As heartless as this sounds, I don't have any sympathy for players that get multiple concussions now and then complain later that they have problems like constant headaches and memory loss. The reason is? Because it's becoming almost well known that a concussion, especially a high level grade concussion can result in long term damage to the brain. I do have a lot of sympathy for the guys that played in the 50s and 60s when this wasn't well known and other problems with the league but now? Now players know specifically that if they continue to get concussions that there chance of becoming a vegetable later on grows greater.

Personally I wish the NFL and the NHL would grow some balls and protect their business. It is a lose-lose situation for both the organization and the player if they get a significant concussion but the welfare and long-term financial aspect outweighs the here and now.

Players like Green shouldn't have any option to return to the NFL. They should be forced to retire. Especially after his last major concussion in Miami.

 

[Exit8A]

I find it a little disturbing that some of these players most notably Trent Green and Eric Lindros both went back to play their respective sports after some many minor and major concussions. At least Lindros retired but Green is still playing, although in a backup capacity.

I don't like to see players get injured, but I have to admit I enjoyed every single minute of a particular concussion that Lindros suffered... Scott Stevens, center ice, what a hit. Couldn't have happened to a better person.

 

[Tim]

Worse than that was Zednik's carotid artery laceration in a hockey game back in February. I'm no hockey fan, but that was some scary stuff. The man is lucky to be alive.

 

[PlainSimpleJoel]

Players like Green shouldn't have any option to return to the NFL. They should be forced to retire. Especially after his last major concussion in Miami.

Okay ... one, I don't know what happened there, as I don't follow either code, but here in rugby league - most players who suffer concussion generally have a week or two off from the game. A lot of it depends on what happens with the person who was concussed, and how it happened.

 

[Thespeckledkiwi]

Green threw his head into someone's legs that was running after a ball carrier. This was his second high level grade concussion in his career.

 

[JonathonWally]

It all depends on how severe the concussion on how long you're out of play, and if you can return. And I'd disagree with you and say athletes in the 50-60s knew what they were getting into.

Boxing, ever hear of it? People been getting concussions and knocked out for centuries, it's not a new idea that getting hit in the head is bad.

I played football in high school, knew full well what I was getting myself into.

 

[Thespeckledkiwi]

But the science of diagnosing them have changed.

Low level grade concussions aren't as bad but once you get a couple grade level 3? Yeah I think that the league should consider it a medical retirement.

 

[Hermiod]

For anyone interested, former professional wrestler Christopher Nowinski has made a career out of investigating the long-term effects of concussions in sports after having to retire having suffered post-concussion syndrome for over a year after the initial injury.

 

[Deckerd]

I know a man who gave his neck a Hangman's Break by rolling his car at a competition. He went about doing his normal stuff; jogging, working etc, for a couple of weeks until he felt an obstruction in his throat and decided to get it checked. Talk about nasty shock!