'Football isn't safe for the brain': Veteran ESPN and ABC analyst Ed Cunningham resigns because he refuses to 'cheerlead' for the sport which is linked to ALS, dementia and CTE
Very gutsy, very principled move. It would be nice to see more participants taking a stand against this profoundly stupid sport.
I'd rather watch cricket any day of the week.
For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.
~ Carl Sagan
Watched my youngest son play high school varsity soccer yesterday. His mother sat in the bleachers beside me. She played varsity field hockey when she attended the high school that hosted the game where 'we' were visitors. (lost 2-1) As we watched, she kept up a running dialogue about the game where I did not know much. She said they take concussions very seriously in middle school and high school, in all sports. At least that is the way its done in public schools in Northern Delaware.
Whoops. later edit. That is youngest GRANDson. His father and mother were both jocks in high school (I certainly was not) and this grandson and his father now both participate in triathlons. In these events, the grandson rides a bicycle I put together for his mother when she was his age.
snailgate
Last edited by Burning Petard on Thu Aug 31, 2017 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Physicians are just barely getting on board with the newest criteria for concussion diagnosis and treatment - if you think the average junior high/high school sports coach is totally clued in, you're delusional. If you don't understand the pressure many of these coaches put on children to play despite injury and pain, you're delusional. There are some seriously messed up people coaching and promoting youth sports - including many irrational parents who feed their damaged egos by their children's on field accomplishments. I wouldn't trust any child of mine to high school sports officials. There are plenty of opportunities for character building in minimal contact sports and no need to expose our kids to brain damage with so many alternatives available.
For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.
~ Carl Sagan
No delusion. This aint average. The school coaches are under contractual obligations to follow strict guidelines that are monitored during games by an independent (yes, probably amateur) with particular responsibilities to watch for potential head injuries.
When noted, the player comes out of the game and is asked a series of canned questions and superficial physical evaluation. If they give the right answers, the player is required to sit out another ten minutes and be evaluated again. If they pass the evaluation then they can go back in the game. The parents are notified. The next school day an RN school nurse evaluates them yet again. If there is suspicion at any point, the player goes to evaluation by a hospital MD.
That is all public schools in New Castle County Delaware. Not little league, Not peewee football.
Just the beginning of a move away from football overall. Although in Texas and Oklahoma where the biggest religion IS football I think it will be a lot slower process.
To his credit, Howard Cosell rejected boxing when he learned how horrific the neurological damage was from repeated blows to the head.
