The NFL and Concussions

In recent years the NFL has had pressure to conduct experiments to find out the long-term effects of concussions.  In the past few weeks the NFL announced that it would finally support research to find out what these effects might be, and finally admitted that there may be some serious consequences to these concussions.

There have been many players through the years that have received some serious concussions during their years in the league.  One player, Ted Johnson, who played for the Patriots, knows that he has received damage from concussions and doesn't think he needs anyone to tell him anything else.  He received multiple hits throughout his career that have caused significant emotional problems and memory loss.  He is one of the more serious cases, and had no problem venting his frustrations with the league.

The NFL has agreed to donate almost $1 million to the research that will be done for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy at Boston University.  This group has already done research on brain damage that was associated with the brains of dead football players.  They have examined over 110 brains and ask that other players be willing to give their brains to science once they have passed.

These results have largely been dismissed by the NFL, but recently they are taking steps to try and make the sport safer.  One thing the league has done is that they have revamped their policies on concussion management.  Players that have had a concussion must now be cleared by brain experts that are not affiliated with the team in order to practice or play.  If there is any sign of concussion or side effects of it, the player will not be cleared.

Experts on the subject have said that it is obvious that repeated blows to the head can result in long-term brain damage.  One side effect of this that has been seen in many football players, is that of dementia.  This and other claims have pushed the NFL to take this matter more seriously and finally get to the point where they are willing to help support a study.  The actual amount of money that is being donated is still unknown.  $1 million is only a guess but it could be more or less.

This is good news for football players, and fans as well.  Players can feel safer, knowing that the league will soon be fully aware of the consequences of cheap hits and head shots.  Fans can feel better about knowing that their favorite players will be able to play at their full potential for years to come, and enjoy their lives with their families once their careers are over.