NFL Doesn’t Get It

Despite the NFL touting a new approach to concussion and head injury, business is normal around the league.  Quarterbacks suffer massive blows to the head, yet their teams claim they are “ready to go’ within a week.  Studies continue to emerge showing the long term ramifications of brain damage caused by repetitive blows to the head, and yet nothing has changed for the athletes on the ground.  Part of the NFL’s strategy is to require independent neurologists to work with teams in evaluating concussions and head injury, but the neurologists I know would not let these players back on the field who have suffered injuries of this magnitude.  In working with my brain injury clients, I have personally seen the effects of so-called “mild brain injury” (concussions), and I cringe when I see the massive hits that football players take every weekend.  Thankfully the NFL is  finally admitting the obvious, but owners, coaches, and all NFL personnel need to be held accountable for turning talk into action, and ultimately protecting their athletes.  For the full story, please click on the following link:  http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ann_killion/11/24/concussions/?cnn=yes