Football in the Long Term

[SoCal_Pony]

Of the 46 brains former NFL players' brains examined for CTE - 45 had CTE.

A high school player examined by the Boston Univ. team showed advanced CTE.

Really scary stuff.

It is and kids are only going to get bigger / stronger / quicker in the future.

[PonyKai]

Outlaw everything. No fun for anyone.

No, but what they are doing now to stop the torpedoing with the crown of the helmet is way overdue. Ask yourself this, were the players doing that in Doak's day? No, because the helmets weren't as good and no facemasks. The fact that the helmets are so good today actually makes the game more dangerous because the aggressor can just tee off on an opposition who he has better leverage than or who is in an awkward or unlucky position. thats not really football, thats assault, and you might like to watch it probably as long as its not your kid on the receiving end.

You read an obscene amount into my comment that was never there.

[blackoutpony]

Did you guys here about the middle school in New Jersey that banned balls during recess? I mean come on... What the hell kind of middle school has recess???

I kid, but no. That is a real story, I'm too lazy to post a link on my iPad. its insane though, everyone is afraid of everything nowadays.... Shame.... I loved playing football and wouldn't trade it for anything.

[malonish]

"Why should YOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU get to throw a ball and show how good you are when I'm not good at throwing. That makes me feel bad and I'm offended that we all aren't good at throwing the ball."

Solution: get rid of balls? That's probably what happened. To say they could get hurt is dumb. They could twist an ankle or brain themselves on the pavement by playing tag.

[stc9]

"Why should YOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU get to throw a ball and show how good you are when I'm not good at throwing. That makes me feel bad and I'm offended that we all aren't good at throwing the ball."

Solution: get rid of balls? That's probably what happened. To say they could get hurt is dumb. They could twist an ankle or brain themselves on the pavement by playing tag.

They don't let the kids play tag either... Someone has to be "IT" and that could negatively impact their self esteem.

[birddogger]

Let's don't teach our kids to win. Instead, let's give everybody a green participation ribbons so that they can feel better about themselves. Pathetic. What type of people are running our public schools?

Back to topic. We will eventually have to face the fact that unless football is made "safer" many parents won't allow their boys to play or they will steer them toward other sports. So there won't be nearly as many college-eligible kids to fill the rosters. I don't suggest that this will happen overnight, but it will happen unless the risks are reduced to "acceptable" levels for parents.

[abezontar]

Let's don't teach our kids to win. Instead, let's give everybody a green participation ribbons so that they can feel better about themselves. Pathetic. What type of people are running our public schools?

Back to topic. We will eventually have to face the fact that unless football is made "safer" many parents won't allow their boys to play or they will steer them toward other sports. So there won't be nearly as many college-eligible kids to fill the rosters. I don't suggest that this will happen overnight, but it will happen unless the risks are reduced to "acceptable" levels for parents.

No one said it was a public school or provided any evidence it actually happened. If it is a public school my money would be on the school not having the money to replace worn out balls rather than there being any sorb of PC reason for the removal

[ericdickerson4life]

Just to throw my two cents into the conversation. Football gets a bad rap. Yes is it a collision sport and several of you have pointed out the stats behind the head injuries. I myself have suffered at least 3 concussions. My first was in basketball, the other two playing or really attempting to play QB. Parents seem only worried about football, all the other sports are dangerous as well. Soccer has been brought up here many times. Might I add that cheerleading should be looked at as well. How many of those people have fallen while being tossed in the air.

I'm going to paraphrase Jim Harbaugh, if your kid isn't going to play than it will make it just that much easier for my kid.

Lastly, I think the downfall for collegiate football specifically, is the amount of money being thrown around. It cannot continue to elevate like it has without drastic changes. Meaning lots of state school being left behind or major budget issues. That's what I don't think is sustainable. They will keep modifying the rules to make the game "safer".

[ericdickerson4life]

Oh, and other sports soon might be forced to wear helmet, like this school district in NJ.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/10/sixth-g ... is-season/

[birddogger]

Just curious, does anyone know whether college or high school football athletes must sign one of those boilerplate "waiver" forms that prevents them from suing in the event of injury?